Stamford, Conn. – Dec. 12, 2021– Americares is deploying an emergency response team and readying relief supplies to assist communities devastated by the tornadoes that tore through the middle of the country this weekend.
Dozens have died, and many more are missing or injured, in one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in the United States in years. More than 30 tornadoes left a path of devastation across six states Friday night and early Saturday. In Mayfield, Kentucky, a tornado leveled most of the town, destroying homes, municipal buildings and businesses, including a factory with more than 100 workers inside. First responders are continuing to search for survivors. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear described the storm as one of the worst disasters his state has ever experienced, and President Joseph Biden approved a federal emergency declaration for Kentucky on Saturday.
“Hundreds of people have lost homes or loved ones only two weeks before the holidays. It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” said Americares Vice President of Emergency Programs Kate Dischino. “We have an emergency response team on the way to Kentucky and are preparing to deliver medicine and relief supplies. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this devastating disaster and we stand ready to help.”
On Saturday, Americares contacted more than 100 partner health facilities in Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee to offer assistance—mostly safety net clinics serving low-income, uninsured and underinsured families. Americares maintains an emergency pharmacy stocked with essential medicines, vaccines and medical supplies that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. The health-focused relief and development organization is also prepared to provide emergency funding to restore health services in affected communities.
Americares has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and has a long history of responding to emergencies in the U.S., including the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornado, Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey and, most recently, Hurricane Ida.
Americares responds to an average of 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities. Since its founding more than 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $20 billion in aid to 164 countries.
Donations to Americares U.S. Disaster Relief Fund will support its response to the tornadoes. To make a donation, please go to www.americares.org/usdisasterfund
