Western Kentucky Still Needs Our Help with Tornado Recovery on 1st Anniversary

On December 10, 2021, tornados violently tore through six states, including Kentucky. The outbreak left thousands without power, destroyed property across more than 100 miles and killed 80 people in Western Kentucky. A day after the catastrophe, Governor Andy Beshear declared, “This event is the worst, the most devastating, most deadly tornado event in Kentucky’s history.”

A year after the tornados, the region continues to recover. Support is still very much needed as people continue to rebuild their lives. “We’re still here; anything that you can do to help us, even small things, are appreciated,” said Martha Woolsey of Dawson Springs, Ky. Woolsey and her family lost their home during the storms and will soon move into a newly-constructed house. But rebuilding a community doesn’t end there.

Immediately after the destruction, many people and organizations stepped up to help, including Humana and the Humana Foundation. The Humana Foundation donated $500,000 to local community organizations to support housing, transportation, mental health, refugee support and long-term recovery. Humana conducted outreach to members, providers and employees to ensure safety and continued access to care. Humana employees hosted on-site blood drives to collect enough gallons of blood to save hundreds of lives. Humana employees also gathered and donated needed supplies and offered monetary contributions that were matched by the Humana Foundation.

A Workforce Development Program aimed at long-term employment recovery in Western Kentucky was established by Humana and launched in August 2022 with the help of local community partners including the Kentucky Chamber. The program connects those in affected areas to work-at-home jobs at Humana. The Mayfield Minority Enrichment Center received a much-needed van donated by Humana that will create a lasting impact as it is leveraged to deliver food and supplies to people who lack transportation in the community.

The Humana Foundation keeps people and communities at the center of everything it does and continues to connect with and listen to the needs of the people impacted by the disaster in Western Kentucky. “As a Foundation we understand that the people closest to the pain are closest to the solutions needed for today, and the years to come,” said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. “Every response to a disaster should be aligned to the specific needs of the community impacted.”

You can join the Humana Foundation to support long-term recovery efforts through the Community Foundation of West Kentucky.

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