Family Planning

The Tulsa Health Department provides confidential, affordable and quality family planning services to females and males of reproductive age. Participants receive education and counseling on healthy birth spacing, and preconception and inter-conception health. Clients receive physical exams, screenings, testing and treatment for STIs, birth control education, information and supplies, pregnancy testing and referrals to community providers and partners as indicated.

THD continues to provide FP services to teens at all the clinic locations. Due to COVID, THD did not provide Family Planning services at Tulsa Street School but plans to resume offering on-site services during the 2021-2022 school year.

Immunizations

Immunization services have been vital in the pandemic response. THD began administering COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020 at various location at the fairgrounds. Since that time, THD has administered more COVID-19 vaccines than any other provider in Oklahoma.

THD staff continue provide immunizations as an essential service to protect Tulsa County residents from vaccine-preventable diseases. THD participates in the Vaccine For Children (VFC) program which provides vaccine to children through age 18 years who are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, Native American, or underinsured (insurance does not cover the vaccine). THD also provides available federally funded 317 vaccines for uninsured adults and privately purchased vaccines for insured individuals. A high immunization level in a community can provide protection for all members of that community, including the most vulnerable.

THD partners with the Oklahoma Caring Foundation Caring Vans to bring immunizations, including COVID and flu vaccines, to community members, children and families. The Caring Vans provide mobile immunization clinics at schools, day care centers, places of worship, community events and community partner location.

Utilizing the Caring Vans to bring the vaccine to community groups and reducing access barriers was an obvious great way to provide underserved groups increased access to the protection COVID-19 vaccinations provide.

Initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccines were significantly limited. The demand far exceeded the supply. Opportunities for community members to receive their vaccines were limited to the THD large locations at the fairgrounds and through a handful of other healthcare systems. THD has a long-standing partnership with the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, and THD nurses work to administer the vaccines provided on Caring Vans. Utilizing the Caring Vans to bring the vaccine to community groups and reducing access barriers was an obvious great way to provide underserved groups increased access to the protection COVID-19 vaccinations provide.

While accommodations would be made at the THD POD sites for those with physical challenges, we recognized it is difficult for some community members to even get to the sites. The Caring Van arranged to hold several special clinics at the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, a wonderful community partner where several individuals already access services. Individuals receiving vaccines at that location did not need to request “special accommodations” - they were already structurally in place and the norm.

THD nurses and the Caring Van provided COVID-19 vaccines in the several of the Tulsa Housing Authority properties. The nurses recognized that several individuals who came to receive the vaccines were experiencing mental health concerns and would not obtain the vaccines if they were not available where they live. THD nurses were able to take the time needed to address each individual’s concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

THD nurses and the Caring Vans have provided over 6,000 Covid vaccines in North Tulsa churches, Spanish-speaking churches and at community events throughout the county – especially in zip codes with a high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Some of the more unique clinic sites include “Night Lights” where individuals experiencing homelessness come in the evening for services, even parking the van by an underpass, Latinx clubs where individuals can come when they get off work and events for foster children and families at the Gathering Place.

The individuals receiving the vaccines were reassured to read and hear information in Burmese and Zomi.

Tulsa has a large Burmese population. COVID-19 disease disproportionally impacted individuals whose race is identified as Asian. The Caring Van reached out to community leaders in Burmese churches to schedule clinics and administer the COVID-19 vaccine at those locations. THD provided Burmese and Zomi interpreters who, along with community volunteers, ensured that accurate information was provided to the community members. The individuals receiving the vaccines were reassured to read and hear information in Burmese and Zomi.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic

The Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic continues to provide essential public health services including diagnostic testing for STDs, treatment for STDs and education and counseling of sexual behavior and disease processes. Disease intervention specialists and a Spanish-speaking interpreter are available.

THD lab standing and capabilities have expanded to include on-site testing for gonorrhea (gram stain), syphilis (RPR), trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and yeast (wet prep microscopic exam). Physician Approved Protocols have been signed for clients to receive appropriate treatment for these conditions.

THD continues to provide thousands of “Brown Bags” with condoms and information at every clinic and WIC site, as well as to community partners.

While the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has remained a top priority for THD, providing other essential services has continued. STD clinic services have continued – even as the daily clinic flow has been altered to incorporate safety measures that keep staff and clients protected and several of the clinic staff have been utilized in other response activities. There has been a core group of clinic staff, from the clerical staff, lab staff and interpreters to the clinicians, who have been committed to providing quality services to THD clients. Clients who are having symptoms of an STI or are informed they have been in contact with someone with an STI are often quite distraught and motivated to be evaluated, tested and treated as quickly as possible. THD staff provide compassionate and quality care while exhibiting the intrinsic value they place on each client.

Adult Health and Take Charge

In response to the pandemic response and additional safety measures instituted, Adult Health and Take Charge programs to provide screening services to identify conditions early and refer clients into care have been temporarily suspended. THD has resumed offering colposcopy and biopsy services for clients with abnormal cervical cytology results who would be unable to access or afford that testing.

About 25 women received colposcopy and biopsy services through the dysplasia clinic at THD. After a woman has certain abnormal pap smear results, a colposcopy can identify specific areas of concern to be evaluated further. Treatment recommended from this evaluation will reduce potential for the abnormal cells to progress into cancer, while the treatment is minimally invasive and disruptive.

By the Numbers

• 4,365 individuals screened and tested for STDs across 6,376 encounters
• 2,258 individuals received family planning services across 4,383 encounters
• 147,572 vaccines provided including 131,272 COVID-19 vaccines