Our nursing facility was founded 100 years ago.
We’ve got 29 residents and we have had noCOVID-19cases.
People ask how wekept the virus out of our nursing homewhen so many have been hit so hard.
For us it’s the three E’s: beingearly,excessiveandendlesslycareful.
Don’t ignore; don’t let up; never let your guard down.
I became an avid watcher of the world news.
In February I knew China was ahead of us in relation to infections.
So were South Korea and Germany.
I began to listen to them right away.
On February 28 we locked down the facility.
Nobody in, nobody out, except the 40 staff members who have direct contact with our residents.
We ordered gowns, masks and gloves before there wasa shortage.
We started temperature checks three times a day and taking patients oxygen levels.
We’re strict and intrusive in monitoring our staff.
I haven’t been inside the facility myself since March 1.
It’s too risky.
People say, Aren’t you a man of faith?
Why are you doing all this?
God will protect you.
I respond, Oh, I have faith in God.
But I also wear my seat belt when I get in my car."
The nursing home and my church are located near the part of Baltimore city where Freddie Gray passed away.
In the 74 square blocks of the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood, we have no grocery store and 109 liquor stores.
Our residents are an inspiration to me and this community.
They’re survivors and thrivers.
My favorite aunt, Gerri, is a resident and like a second mom to me.
She battled cancer, and she understands why sheneeds to wear a mask.
Why she can’t have meals with other residents.
Why she has tosit on the porch to talk to family members.
She’s happy to see us, but it’s tough.
Get on the horn:Zoom is challenging for people with vision or hearing loss.
Phone calls often work best.
Organize:Start a council with other families to advocate about any concerns.
One voice can get lost.
Find an ally:Nurturing a good relationship with a staff member builds trust.
Identify someone reliable you’re able to call.
Half our residents don’t have family coming to see them.
You do whatever you’re able to to get through this.
Ninety-nine percent of the people around you might be saying, It’s OK. Lighten up.
As told to David Hochman
The Rev.
Dr. Derrick DeWitt Sr., 53, is the senior pastor of First Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Baltimore.
He is also the chief finance officer for the Maryland Baptist Aged Home, a nursing and rehabilitation facility.
