COVID patients remembered, healthcare workers honored at Moment of Silence

A small crowd mainly of hospital employees gathered in front of Whitfield Regional Hospital Tuesday at noon to remember the more than 12,000 Alabamians who have died from COVID-19, the hundreds of thousands more who have suffered from the virus and to honor those who have cared for them.

The courtyard service in Demopolis was one of many throughout the state encouraged by the Alabama Hospital Association to hold a Statewide Moment of Silence.

As part of the ceremony, CEO/Administrator Doug Brewer revealed a plaque that will be displayed in the hospital. It reads: “In recognition of those that lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Whitfield Family healthcare staff who worked tirelessly to care for them.”

In his remarks Brewer said in his 30 years in healthcare he has never been so moved as when he observed the “amazing love and care” of the ICU staff as they treated their patients.

“It took my breath away,” he said.

He saluted all the hospital employees, not just those directly treating patients. He included dietary, environmental services, admissions and all others who have jeopardized their own health and safety.

The Rev. Carl Williams echoed Brewer’s remarks as he praised the doctors and nurses who risked their own lives. He knows, too, the agony of not being able to sit at the bedside of a dying COVID patient or “to put my arms around family members” who are grieving.

Quoting from Thessalonians, Williams said, “We do not grieve as those who don’t have hope.” He added, “There is hope in the midst of death.”

As of Tuesday, Alabama had recorded 12,420 deaths attributed to the coronavirus and 727,360 reported cases. In Marengo County, 74 residents have died and 3,082 have tested positive.