The extensive flooding a year ago in southeastern Kentucky created immediate health issues as well as lasting challenges. Libby Turner is a nurse administrator for the Kentucky River District Health Department. Turner said it was important for affected residents to maintain their medication regime.
“They were staying in shelters and a lot them left with just the clothes on their back so we had to make sure a lot of people got the medications that they needed and the pharmacies were wonderful with replacing those types of medications,” said Turner.
Turner noted there have been mental health needs ever since the flood event last July. She added some of those issues will be seen in children as they prepare to begin another school year.
“You know I think a lot of people were just traumatized and having a lot of mental health issues related to the flooding…to losing everything they had…watching their stuff just being destroyed. Their homes being destroyed,” said Turner.
One of the priorities this time last year was to get people in flooded areas tetanus shots. In some cases, Turner said that required health department officials going out into communities.
The nurse does see residents in her region bouncing back, adding they are building back strong and will overcome it.
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