BCBSOK awards grant to OSU Medicine

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma announced on Thursday it was awarding a $250,000 community health investment grant to Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Addiction Medicine Specialty Clinic as they work to address addiction and mental health in Oklahoma.

The grant for OSU's Addiction Medicine Specialty Clinic in Tulsa from BCBSOK will be used to research the effectiveness of telemedicine services for treating addiction.

“We admire Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma's leadership in expanding access to addiction treatment services,” said Dr. Kayse Shrum, president of OSU Center for Health Sciences. “This major investment will allow us to reach more Oklahomans who are struggling with addiction and who would benefit immensely from the expertise at OSU Medicine. We appreciate our continued partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.”

BCBSOK said it's through partnerships like the one it has with OSUCHS where it feels it can make the biggest impact on Oklahoman's health and well-being.

“We are investing in solutions to reduce cost of care and improve health outcomes in Oklahoma,” said Joseph R. Cunningham, M. D., president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “We have been providing health insurance in Oklahoma for nearly 80 years and its part of our mission to help our members as well as our communities. It aligns with our purpose: To Do Everything In Our Power To Stand With Our Members In Sickness And In Health.”