Appalachian Regional Healthcare, a network based in the rural regions of eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, is recognizing the one-year anniversary of the eastern Kentucky floods by running school supply drives throughout the region.
They’re using the anniversary to help affected families struggling with the back-to-school season. Locals can grab food, socialize and even get health screenings.
“We all know this past year, inflation has impacted everyone and so many of our families are literally rebuilding homes,” said ARH President and CEO Hollie Phillips. “The cost of construction has skyrocketed too, so little things like collecting school supplies is just one of the many things we can do to help the region get back on its feet.”
Phillips says she still remembers the moments she got the news.
“I was actually at the gym at about 6 a.m.,” Phillips said. “My phone started going off, and it was our Hazard hospital CEO and our clinic CEO texting me to let me know there had been some type of flooding in the region. Many of their employees couldn't get to work and they lost communication with many.”
The foundation organized a system-wide moment of silence at noon during these drives across the region. Former University of Kentucky basketball player Cameron Mills and Lieutenant Governor Jacquline Coleman were in attendance in Lexington, with Mills leading the proceedings.
“Our Eastern Kentucky family is resilient and strong, as they are generous and kind. And during this moment of remembrance and reflection, we will reflect, remember and stand together as we face the next steps in the recovery process.”
Appalachian Regional Healthcare raised $2 million for flood victims throughout the past year. That included collecting rainwater, replacing appliances and installing new roofs for those affected.
More than 40 people died as a result of the floods, with thousands having homes lost or damaged.
The healthcare system is running drives and similar events through the rest of the week.
