Debra Hamelback, Executive Director, Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association
Up to 10.5 inches of rain fell on eastern Kentucky in just 48 hours at the end of July, causing significant flooding that imperiled hundreds of people, homes, farms, and animals. The deluge spurred flooding across seven counties. Large swaths of some communities were swept away, prompting Gov. Andy Beshear to sign a state of emergency, declaring the disaster to be “one of the worst, most devastating flooding events” in the state’s history.
Untold numbers of livestock have perished across the mostly rural region. Flood waters have receded, but power outages are expected to continue for weeks. For now, local governments are housing animals anywhere they can, such as state parks, schools, and even a grooming facility.
On behalf of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA), our veterinary community is very grateful for the donation from AVMA Foundation to help with the ongoing needs caused by these devastating floods. This donation has allowed our veterinarians to triage, treat, and house animals that were injured or sick, at no cost to the owners who have lost their homes and possessions. Efforts are now focused on treatments for animals still being found that need care, assisting shelters and rescues, and with the rehoming of surrendered pets.
Our veterinary teams in eastern Kentucky have been working tirelessly in the local communities providing care and treatments round the clock for animals and their owners. The needs of the people and animals of Appalachia will be ongoing for several months if not years. KVMA also wants to sincerely thank all of the national organizations for their ongoing assistance, donations, and “boots on the ground” volunteer endeavors. Their assistance has been tremendously appreciated by those that have been impacted as well as our state officials working with the animal recovery efforts.
Our KVMA Foundation is continuing to accept donations that will go directly towards the veterinary care of animals in the affected areas. Contact us at info@kvma.org.
Mail your donations to: KVMA Foundation 108 Consumer Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601
Or visit: kvma.org/foundation
Governor Beshear established a fund to help those impacted by flooding. All proceeds will go to flood victims. All donations to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating. You may visit ky.gov for links to these sites.