The world is mobilizing around response to COVID-19. Unfortunately, assisted living is being left behind. Federal and state funding is overlooking this very vulnerable population. Signing this petition sends a message to lawmakers to provide additional funding for staff, personal protective equipment, testing, and treatment.

As you know, the staff and residents at Cherry Springs Village, an assisted living community in Hendersonville, N.C., were recent victims of COVID-19.  But after a battle lasting nearly two months in which considerable time, love, money and effort was expended, we are happy to let you know that Cherry Springs Village is now COVID-19 free.  

Through the heroic efforts our incredible staff, the families of our residents, of state and county officials, and local volunteers, we won the war against the virus at Cherry Springs Village. The effort required almost doubling the staff resources and extra everything, including pallets of food, personal protective equipment, and disinfectants.

The staff have made personal sacrifices to go into harms way to care for our residents, with nothing more than a mask, face shield, and gown separating them from the insidious virus.  They had to employ extraordinary infection-control measures, including continuously sanitizing everything anyone touched, changing their clothes each time they came in and out, providing in-room meal service, and much love and compassion for seniors and their families who were not allowed to visit each other lest they spread the virus further.  In many instances, they’ve willingly separated themselves from their own families, putting the lives of our residents before their own. 

These brave caregivers are our neighbors, our friends, our own loved ones, and they deserve wholehearted support, acknowledgment and gratitude for their noble service.  

While assisted living communities all over America are making incredible strides to keep the virus out of their buildings, the health experts and state officials are telling us that the virus is still on the rise.  More support for our committed staff is needed to keep the virus out or reduce its deadly effects if it gets in, and that takes financial resources.   

Fortunately, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has earmarked COVID-19 relief funds for just these purposes.  But unfortunately, the funds have not been released.

This is where we need your help. Please sign our petition asking the government to deploy these vital funds to our healthcare heroes, so that we can continue to save the lives of our nation’s seniors.  Thank you!