The novel Coronavirus claimed over 500 lives in West Alabama.
In a year filled with uncertainty and turmoil, it s easy to look at that number as one of a series of statistics; however, each of these 500 souls left behind a tremendous void in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding communities that will never truly be filled.
Carlye Chalmers, a Critical Care RN for DCH Healthcare System, experienced the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand. [Working during the pandemic was] Hard, fearful, but also rewarding, Chalmers said. Hard because there was so much new to learn. We had to work in make shift ICUs. We did not have enough staff. Hard to not have families there to be with their loved ones. It was so tough watching people communicate with an iPad Say their good byes with an ipad. Fear for my patients not knowing if they would get better or worse, you could see their fear.fear for my family.what if brought this home to my family, my kids, my friends? I was wearing a mask at hom