CCI Health Services Receives Authorization to Administer New COVID-19 Antiviral Therapeutic

The Federally Qualified Health Center is one of only 200 community health organizations nationwide approved by HRSA to prescribe the innovative treatment.

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND, JANUARY 19, 2022 – CCI Health Services announced today that the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has granted the organization access to Paxlovid, a new COVID-19 antiviral treatment developed by Pfizer. As a result, CCI will be among the first round of community health organizations eligible to prescribe the therapeutic.

Paxlovid is the first oral antiviral treatment authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The therapeutic stops the SARS-Cov-2 virus from replicating, effectively reducing the amount of virus in the body and lessening symptom severity.

The antiviral treatment is available to adult and pediatric patients (ages 12 and older) who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are deemed high-risk for severe symptoms due to underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.

“Access to an antiviral treatment will be a lifesaver for patients who are susceptible to severe illness,” said Dr. Melissa Clark, CCI’s Chief Medical Officer. “It won’t replace a person’s need for the vaccine series, but it should make COVID-19 symptoms much more manageable and shorter in duration.”

The Paxlovid authorization marks the second time the Biden-Harris Administration has selected CCI to direct early COVID-19 control and preventive measures to safeguard equity. In February 2021, CCI became the first health center in Maryland to participate in HRSA’s Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program, an initiative to ensure equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

“The Biden-Harris Administration continues to depend on CCI to deliver the latest COVID-19 intervention strategies to our patients, and we are proud to have their confidence,” said Dr. Sonya Bruton, CCI’s President & CEO. “We commend the administration’s commitment to health equity and look forward to partnering with them further to bring an end to the pandemic.”

To date, CCI has administered over 11,691 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, many of whom are uninsured and low-income. In addition, the organization arranges telehealth services for immunocompromised patients.

About CCI Health Services: Founded in 1972, CCI Health Services is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides quality and affordable health care to patients in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. In addition, CCI Health Services empowers underserved populations and advocates for a more equitable health care system.