We are excited to share that VeganMed has entered a collaboration with Claremore Indian Hospital Pharmacy to enhance awareness of Alpha-gal Syndrome and highlight the importance of animal-free medications!
About Claremore Indian Hospital Pharmacy
Claremore Indian Hospital, a government-operated facility under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Indian Health Service (IHS), is a beacon of healthcare excellence located in Claremore, Oklahoma. Serving twelve counties across 7,750 square miles, the hospital caters to over fifty-two thousand patients from diverse tribal backgrounds. Renowned for its comprehensive services, the hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient care through nine specialized clinical services, consistently delivering top-tier healthcare with unwavering dedication.
Importance of this Collaboration
The CDC estimates 450,000 Americans as having Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) with the highest prevalence of suspected cases being in parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. The Claremore Indian Hospital falls right within this high prevalence zone of AGS, thus establishing this healthsystem as the leading first-line responder for alpha-gal patients in Oklahoma (see figure below). Oklahomans are at the greatest risk of tick-borne illnesses between May to August when ticks are most active. Every year, many Oklahomans die of tick-borne illnesses while many others become hospitalized.
The only real solution for AGS is an alpha-gal avoidance diet. Avoidance of animal-derived ingredients in food, medications and over-the-counter products. Unfortunately, this poses a challenge as 3 out of 4 medications contain animal-derived ingredients with 75% of AGS patients having reacted to these ingredients in health products and 50% of them have suffered anaphylactic reactions due to these ingredients. Additionally, 92% of alpha-gal patients have needed to adjust their medications due to their diagnosis, underscoring its profound impact on their daily lives and healthcare management. This collaboration promises to enhance patient safety and promote ingredient transparency.
AGS awareness is on the rise in Oklahoma, with stories making headlines across various news outlets. Coverage by the Oklahoma State University Extension and events like the past workshop hosted by the Cherokee County Oklahoma State University Extension Office on Dec. 20, 2023, titled “What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome? The Mammalian Meat Allergy,” are driving this momentum. However, finding reliable information on Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) can be a challenge, particularly since it hasn't yet made it onto all government databases. For example, AGS is still not listed among the tick-borne illnesses on the Oklahoma State Department of Health website. To address this critical information gap, the collaboration between VeganMed and the Claremore Indian Hospital aims to enhance AGS awareness and education. This partnership is a significant step toward making essential AGS information more accessible to both patients and healthcare providers in Oklahoma and beyond, especially considering the CDC states that currently only 5% of healthcare providers feel comfortable diagnosing AGS and managing AGS symptoms.
Captain Cindy Gillis, Director of Claremore Indian Health Pharmacy, further emphasizes the importance of this collaboration:
"We serve an underserved population where AGS is increasingly prevalent. With better access to AGS resources, we can ensure the safety of our patients. AGS is often overlooked in healthcare, and we are committed to helping patients identify medications that may pose risks. VeganMed provides invaluable support for patients and providers navigating AGS."
VeganMed is a national leader in animal-free medications. We provide a service that will guide the identification of medications most suitable for patients with alpha-gal syndrome. As an example, VeganMed was contacted for 37 medications for one patient and we were able to identify animal-free medications in under 30 minutes; a task that could normally take days of research. Within a hospital setting however, days might not be available. In an acute care setting, time is of the essence, and a delay in care could have disastrous consequences for a patient.
This collaboration between VeganMed and Claremore Indian hospital “aims to personalize patient care and optimize patient safety,” said Dr. Farron Sheffield of Claremore Indian Hospital Pharmacy. This initiative is particularly crucial for those with Alpha-gal Syndrome, specific excipient or ingredient allergies, or due to personal preferences, whether religious or dietary.
This partnership highlights the critical importance of medication transparency and the impact of animal-free alternatives for patients with specific health needs or dietary preferences. As Alpha-gal Syndrome diagnoses rise, our commitment to advocacy and innovative solutions remains unwavering. VeganMed is proud to pioneer this initiative, aiming to expand its impact on healthcare systems nationwide.
Curious about how a collaboration could benefit your healthcare facility? Reach out to us at info@veganmed.org.
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the VeganMed team!
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