Regional Event: EKY Flood Event

REGIONAL EVENT

Eastern Kentucky Flooding

Between July 26 and July 30, 2022, heavy rain, deadly flash flooding, and devastating river flooding hit eastern Kentucky and central Appalachia. According to the National Weather Service, rainfall totals across eastern Kentucky were over 600% of normal and destroyed homes and communities across Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, and Perry counties.

A fire engine submerged in flood waters in Hindman, KY in Knott County

Tyler Wolf, Facebook

GRACE HEALTH CLINICS DONATE TO FLOOD RELIEF

With many homeless and most areas without electricity or running water, organizations and individuals from across the country stepped up to help southeastern Kentucky flood victims. At Grace Health, the Outreach Team coordinated a flood relief fundraiser which raised over $1,800 to purchase requested items to provide much-needed supplies to the affected areas.

Pictured with their donation are Kendra Harris, Cindy Johnson, Brittany Fuson, Dr. Shawn Fugate, Rose Garrett, Heather Mullins, and Shannon Lacefield with the Grace Health Pineville Clinic

In addition to funds raised by employees, Grace Health pharmacies coordinated to deliver essential medical supplies to Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation (MCHC) in Whitesburg. When the pharmacy team arrived at MCHC, employees there were overjoyed to receive supplies. The donations helped the clinic get mobile vaccine clinics going to reach people in the community who couldn't get to the clinic. When pharmacist Casey Whittaker and pharmacy coordinator Dustin McQueen arrived, MCHC was having a vaccine clinic in their mud-filled parking lot with people lined up down the street to receive a tetanus shot.

Items donated included:

50+ doses of Tetanus & Hep A vaccines

48 bags of normal IV saline

20 vials each of long and short-acting insulin & associated syringes & needles

Multiple cases of beta-dine

First aid supplies

Water

Cleaning supplies

Whitesburg, Kentucky

FLOOD RELIEF

OUTREACH

Mike Wynn, Director of Community Programs, delivered two generators, water, and cleaning supplies to Fleming Neon Fire Department in Letcher County (left). When he arrived, he reported having trouble navigating through town due to the number of people set up to help. Wynn shared that he was humbled to see the outpouring of support from other areas.

Though there were stacks of mud-caked debris lining the streets, the town was also filled with different agencies who had arrived to help in the recovery efforts. Throughout town, Wynn saw numerous stacks of water and cleaning products brought by neighbors and strangers alike.

The cleanup efforts continue as residents also need help applying for FEMA Disaster Relief. In August, Grace Health outreach team members set up in various eastern Kentucky cities, including Oneida, Manchester, and Williamsburg, to help affected community members apply for necessary assistance.

As Grace Health continues to work in these communities, we ask that you keep all affected by the July flood in your prayers.

Mike Wynn with items purchased from Grace Health fundraising effors

Neon, Kentucky

Neon, Kentucky