Community Needs Assessment Collaboration Following the July 2022 Flooding in Eastern Kentucky

Authors

Melissa Slone DSW, Kentucky River District Health DepartmentFollow
Frances Feltner DNP, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural HealthFollow
William M. Baker RN, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural HealthFollow
Anthony S. Lockard MSW, CSW, Kentucky River District Health DepartmentFollow
Angela Raleigh RD, Breathitt County Health DepartmentFollow

Corresponding Author

Melissa Slone MelissaA.slone@ky.gov

Author Affiliations

1. Melissa Slone, DSW: Chief Operating Officer, Kentucky River District Health Department (Hazard KY); E-mail: melissaA.slone@ky.gov

2. Frances Feltner, DNP: Director, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (Hazard KY)

3. William M. Baker, RN: Director – Kentucky Homeplace, Center for Excellence in Rural Health

4. Anthony S. Lockard, MSW, CSW: Public Health Director, Kentucky River District Health Department

5. Angela Raleigh, RD: Public Health Director, Breathitt County Health Department (Jackson KY)

Author Area of Expertise

Melissa Slone, Community Engagement

Frances Feltner, Community Engagement, Chronic Disease Management, Community Health Workers

William M. Baker, Community Health Workers

Anthony S. Lockard, Public Health

Angela Raleigh, Public Health

Abstract

Rapidly rising waters due to flash floods and thunderstorms on the night of July 27, 2022, resulted in hundreds of water rescues throughout 14 rural Appalachian Kentucky counties. Lives were lost, thousands were injured, homes and property were damaged or destroyed, and many roadways were unpassable. Community partners serving these counties collaborated to design and conduct an assessment to gain a better understanding of the needs of individuals residing in certain remote sections within the communities. The assessment, conducted three months after the flood, collected information regarding flooding impact on housing, physical and behavioral health, transportation, work, and finances.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0601.11

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Slone M, Feltner F, Baker WM, Lockard AS, Raleigh A. Community needs assessment collaboration following the July 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky. J Appalach Health 2024;6(1):163–166. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0601.11