Door County Medical Center has another arrow in its quiver for its battle against COVID-19. Bamlanivimab, also known as “bam bam” or “bama,” was given emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration just last week and was administered to patients for the first time at Door County Medical Center on Thursday. The treatment contains an antibody that is given via an IV drip to those who were recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and have elevated risks such as advanced age, diabetes, and high body mass index. Door County Medical Center President and CEO Brian Stephens says the early results of the treatment elsewhere have been positive.

The Bamlanivimab treatment takes approximately one hour to administer plus some extra time for observation afterward. Stephens credits his environmental services team and others for creating a space in the hospital to give the treatment, which is currently taking place in an area typically used as a waiting room. You can listen to our full conversation with Stephens on our podcast page.