Governor’s Order for COVID-19 Transparency at Senior Living Centers is Welcomed News

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health’s order that senior living centers promptly notify residents and family of any confirmed COVID-19 case among residents and staff members is another important step in our battle against this virus, said leaders from National Church Residences. The order, issued on April 13, requires these facilities to report positive test results within 24 hours.

“Across the nation, the long-term care facilities that serve hundreds of thousands of seniors are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks,” said Michelle Norris, executive vice president for external affairs and growth strategies for National Church Residences. “These people are among our most vulnerable and we commend the governor for ensuring that all such organizations in Ohio practice transparency. It’s really this simple – families have a right to know.”

10TV WBNS – State releases list of long-term care facilities with COVID-19 cases; withholds deaths

Michelle Norris, vice president of external affairs, told 10 Investigates that while the reporting of the data is helpful, it’s not as critical for “flattening the curve.” She also mentioned that lots of other facilities across the state have been dealing with COVID-19 cases.

Obtaining and processing that many tests so quickly wasn’t easy, said Michelle Norris, National Church Residences’ executive vice president for external affairs and growth strategies.

“It took a lot of hard work and advocacy by our chief medical officer,” she said. “Testing and (personal protective equipment) are not yet easily obtainable in long-term-care facilities.”

PARRT Post Acute Regional Rapid Testing Program

Read the full press release here

About National Church Residences

National Church Residences serves more than 42,000 seniors through its array of housing and health care services. The not-for-profit organization is driven by a vision of advancing better living for all seniors, enabling them to remain home for life. With 340 communities in 25 states, it is the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators. The organization also offers residential senior communities, home and community-based services, as well as permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled. For more information, visit us at NationalChurchResidences.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.