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Stamford, Conn. – July 29, 2022 – Americares is preparing to deploy an emergency response team to southeastern Kentucky to respond to the catastrophic flooding that’s left 16 people dead, damaged hundreds of homes and left tens of thousands of people without power. Search and rescue teams continue to look for survivors and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he expects the death toll to increase. President Joe Biden earlier today issued a federal disaster declaration for Kentucky.
Americares is prepared to send critically needed medicines and relief supplies to support survivors, as well as emergency funding to help restore health services in affected communities. An Americares emergency response team is expected to be on the ground in southeastern Kentucky this weekend to assess the most urgent health needs and coordinate relief shipments.
“We are in contact with partner organizations in the affected areas and hearing there’s an urgent need for hygiene products and relief supplies for displaced families,” said Americares U.S. Director of Emergency Response Mariel Fonteyn, who will lead the response team. “Many of the items needed are prepositioned in our global distribution center, and the team is working to quickly mobilize them for flood survivors and partner organizations.”
Americares has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and stocks emergency medicine and supplies in warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increases accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improves and expands clinical services; and prevents disease and promotes good health.
The organization responds to more than 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings preparedness programs to communities vulnerable to disasters. Americares has provided more than $20 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States, since it was founded more than 40 years ago.
Donations to Americares U.S. Disaster Relief Fund will support its response to the flooding. To donate, go to sandbox.americares.org/usdisasters