ETSU Response
Devastating Floods in Kentucky
Recent floods impacting eastern Kentucky and surrounding regions have resulted in at least 30 deaths, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. In addition, hundreds of people are unaccounted for. Rescue efforts have been hampered by continued rains and destruction of roads and safety equipment.
If you would like to consider offering assistance to those affected, please consider the following opportunities to donate.
Ways to help
- Eastern Kentucky Flooding Relief Fund: A dedicated emergency response fund established by the State of Kentucky and Governor Andy Beshear’s office to assist those impacted by the floods and the severe weather systems beginning July 26, 2022.
- American Red Cross: Trained Red Cross disaster workers are working alongside state and local partners to provide help to those affected in the deadly flooding in Eastern Kentucky, and the Red Cross is deploying additional disaster teams and relief supplies to the area. Nine Red Cross shelters are open across the region for those in need of housing. The Red Cross will also aide in assessing the damage when it is safe to do so.
- Save the Children: With emergency supplies pre-positioned ahead of the flooding, Save the Children staff are working to deliver essential items to eastern Kentucky kids, families and communities – including clean drinking water, hygiene kits, diapers, wipes, cribs, and cleaning supplies for schools. With three schools already declared a total loss, Save the Children is also engaging local early learning partners to support the needs among the area’s schools and early learning and child care centers.
- Mercy Chefs: Mercy Chefs has deployed to Eastern Kentucky where the Governor has declared a state of emergency due to disastrous flash flooding. Mercy Chefs' team will provide hot meal service to victims of this disaster as well as the search and rescue teams facing the dangerous waters.
- Americares: Already on the ground in Kentucky and beginning the assessment of needs and coordinating with other organizations and agencies, Americares has reached out to 16 partners to assess needs, consisting so far of local clinics, statewide organizations, and national and VOAD partners. Partners have indicated a need for hygiene kits and hygiene supplies and the Americares team is in communication with them as they anticipate sending shipments into the area.
How to avoid charity scams
- Check out any organization seeking donations through the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Guidestar.
- Ask questions on how and who will benefit from your donation. Resist pressure to give on the spot.
- If you are asked for a donation through text or email, contact the charity or nonprofit directly to verify the request.
- If you give through an app or website, ask if it is going directly to the organization.
- Don't assume a social media or blog recommendation has been approved by the nonprofit.
- Avoid giving cash.
- Always try to get a receipt for your donations and ask if it is tax deductible.
- If a paid fundraiser asks you for a donation, ask how much is kept by the fundraiser and how much goes to the nonprofit.
ETSU Support Services
The ETSU community provides support services for students, faculty, and staff who may be impacted. The ETSU Dean of Students office is reaching out to offer support and assistance to students who have homes in the region.
The ETSU Counseling Center provides personal counseling for students, as well as outreach and referrals. Students may access the ETSU Counseling Center at (423) 439-3333. The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and is located on the 3rd floor of the DP Culp Center. Telehealth/Zoom services are also available. The Bucs Press 2 service is available 24/7/365 by dialing (423) 439-4841 and pressing 2 to speak to a counselor.
Student veterans who may have questions or need support are welcome to reach out to the ETSU Veteran’s Affairs office.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff who need counseling support and referral to other resources.
Student Organization Efforts
Leadership and Civic Engagement, housed within the Ronald and Edith J. Carrier Center, is serving as a clearinghouse for student response efforts. For more information, you may contact serve@etsu.edu