My Story: Deploying to help after Hurricane Milton

Written by Amy Miller, Communications Manager for the American Red Cross Kentucky Region

What got you involved with the Red Cross?

Amy outside the Red Cross
Tampa Bay Regional Headquarters,
Tampa, FL

I learned about the Red Cross in 2015 when I was looking for opportunities to expand my skills after I graduated from college. I started out writing volunteer profiles and monitoring social media as a public affairs volunteer with the Louisville Area Chapter, my local chapter. I’ve been with the Red Cross ever since, and recently became the Communications Manager for the Kentucky Region. In the 9 years I’ve been with the Red Cross, I’ve helped with our Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation events, visited blood drives to talk to donors and traveled across the state for tornado, severe weather and flood responses. My first disaster relief operation was the response to the 2018 flooding that impacted communities along the Ohio River. More recently, I deployed to Franklin, Kentucky to support the 2021 December tornado response, and Lexington, Kentucky to help after flooding impacted Eastern Kentucky in 2022. This October, I had the opportunity to help communities in Florida that were impacted by Hurricane Milton on my first national disaster relief operation.

What’s deployment to a disaster relief operation like?

I think most people think of sheltering or feeding when they think of deployment, which are vital roles during a disaster relief operation, but there are a lot of other ways you can volunteer, too! When I deploy, I deploy as part of our Red Cross public affairs team. The public affairs team, in a nutshell, tells the story of the Red Cross and the communities the Red Cross is helping. This can mean doing interviews with the media to share information about how the Red Cross is responding. It can also mean going out to shelters, distribution sites and other events in disaster-impacted communities. We take photos of the work Red Crossers are doing, get quotes from the partners we work alongside, and help share the stories of the people we’re helping.

Tampa, FL. Photo credit: Sivani Babu, 
American Red Cross Central California Region

Deployments last for at least two weeks. When I went to Florida for Hurricane Milton, I stayed at a hotel near Tampa for a few days and then spent the rest of my time there in a staff shelter. I was paired with another public affairs volunteer, and we were partners for the whole deployment. We would take turns driving to our assignments, taking photos and asking questions during the day. When we returned to our lodging at night, we’d sort through the day’s photos, write up stories and captions and make plans for the next day’s activities. Wherever there were Red Crossers at work is where we’d be to help share their stories and get information out to the community.

I’ve had a lot of people ask me what I pack when I deploy. I’ve taken to telling them a sense of humor and a lot of flexibility. Disaster relief operations are constantly adapting and changing to meet the needs of the community. One day my partner and I would be working with a volunteer team passing out lunches and supplies at a community center in Tampa. The next, we’d be three hours away in Vero Beach following an emergency response vehicle as it traveled through tornado-devastated neighborhoods to serve hot meals to the community. You have to be flexible to be able to better help the people we serve!

The humor comes in handy on long car rides and after long days. Being able to go back to the staff shelter and share stories with people who come from all over the country to help was an amazing way to end each day.

What’s the difference between deploying nationally and deploying at home?

Hurricane debris near Horseshoe Beach, FL.

The biggest difference I noticed when I deployed for Hurricane Milton was being able to fully immerse myself in the disaster response. When you respond to a disaster in your own backyard, you may be impacted yourself or know people who were affected. When I was in Florida, I kept in touch with people back home, but my only focus was on the community in Florida and how I could help. It gave me a better appreciation of the volunteers who leave their families and put their own lives on hold for two weeks to lend a hand during disasters across the country.

Is there a moment from deploying that stands out to you?

It’s hard to pick the most memorable moment from my Hurricane Milton deployment because every day was something new. Early in the deployment, I remember my partner and I sitting down at the end of a long day on the road with the congregation of a church the volunteers we’d been following had delivered meals to. The residents there had only recently gotten power back to their neighborhood and had lost all the food in their refrigerators, but they’d invited us to stay and have dinner with them.

One of the most impactful experiences came on our last day of deployment. My partner and I got a tour of a beautiful small town on the Gulf of Mexico about three hours north of Tampa, on the back of a golf cart. Every single building had been damaged by hurricanes and flooding. The resident who gave us the tour had been working with the Red Cross long-term recovery team since Hurricane Idalia destroyed her home in 2023, and the Red Cross was continuing to support her through the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. She shared with us that when things settled in her life, she wanted to become a Red Cross volunteer and help others the way the Red Cross had helped her.

Pinellas Park, FL. Photo credit: Sivani Babu, 
American Red Cross Central California Region

Sprinkled in between were the intensely human interactions that reminded me of how important the Red Cross mission to end human suffering is: Being able to talk to people working in businesses in Tampa and lending an ear and a shoulder when they shared how their homes and loved ones had been impacted by the hurricanes; laughing with people from an impacted community who had stopped their truck to check on me, because I’d gotten out of the car to help a turtle cross the road; working alongside local Red Cross volunteers who had been supporting their neighbors since the beginning of hurricane season, while navigating their own hurricane clean up.

Every day, I spoke with someone who had been impacted by the hurricanes or who had been helped by the Red Cross. It was a humbling and rewarding experience.

The mission of the Red Cross would not be possible without our volunteers and donors. Our volunteers are on the ground, supporting people as they recover from what can be the worst moments of their lives. Our donors make the Red Cross mission possible. Their support allows Red Crossers like me to deploy to disasters like Hurricane Milton to support communities in times of need. You can learn more about supporting the mission of the Red Cross by visiting redcross.org/gift.

American Red Cross volunteers recognized for service at Fort Knox ceremony

Story and photos by Kevin Sandell, Communications Volunteer

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Over 20 volunteers who serve within the American Red Cross Kentucky Region were recognized for their service earlier this fall, during a lunchtime ceremony at Fort Knox, the sprawling U.S. Army base south of Louisville. Many of the recognized volunteers had served hundreds or even thousands of hours to Red Cross chapters throughout the state.

Fort Knox is home to the Warrior Warehouse, a function of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program, and is a building where service members and their families can shop for donated household, clothing, and food items. The warehouse is also the location for the annual “Santa’s Workshop” on base that provides free, donated toys to children of U.S. service members stationed at Fort Knox during the holidays.

One volunteer, who was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for her 14-year service to the South Central Kentucky Chapter of the Red Cross, said the honor is humbling.

Deann Burns (center) received the Volunteer of the Year award at a
Red Cross volunteer recognition ceremony, Aug. 13, at Fort Knox, Ky.
Burns has served as a volunteer for 14 years
with the Red Cross Kentucky Region. 

“I don’t volunteer for the recognition, or for anticipation of an award, or to try and achieve some elusive number of volunteer hours that are tallied each month with the right to brag,” said Deann Burns, a spouse of a former soldier stationed at Fort Knox. “I volunteer to help someone that may be experiencing some challenges and who needs a little extra help, a kind word or a smile, and to make it a little easier for them to make it through the month.” 

During the ceremony, Burns received a silver platter engraved with her name from members of the American Red Cross Kentucky Region and later described her start with the organization. She began volunteering for the Red Cross in 1981 when her husband was stationed in Grafenwoehr, Germany. When she and her husband arrived at Fort Knox in 2010, there were no Red Cross-hosted blood drives on post, and she was initially asked to be a Blood Donor Ambassador to spearhead the program on base.

Five years later, she was asked to be the Santa’s Workshop Coordinator, where she directed volunteer recruitment, toy donations and coordination with off-base stores and charities, marketing and promotion efforts, and distributing toys to Fort Knox families. Her first year in the job, the Santa’s Workshop provided toys and books to over 200 military families. In the years since, the Santa’s Workshop program has grown in popularity, and nearly 300 children are helped every year.

Another volunteer, who achieved 10,956 hours of volunteer service to the Red Cross services on Fort Knox, said her extensive volunteerism came from being an “empty nester” and wanting to give back to the Red Cross.

Amy Grimm (center), a volunteer with the Red Cross at Fort Knox, Ky.,
earned nearly 11,000 hours of volunteer service, and was recognized
for her service during a volunteer ceremony, Aug. 13, at Fort Knox. 

“[Being recognized] is not what drives us to do what we do, but it's nice to be recognized,” said Amy Grimm, a Fort Knox volunteer and military spouse. “All my kids left at the same time and I just didn’t know what to do with my hands … It worked out perfectly that I could dive into this resource that I’m really trying to assist families with versus staying at home and doing nothing.”

Grimm added that she’s a firm believer of “doing something positive” with her time and that it “fills [my] soul.”

A Red Cross youth volunteer, Gabe Fulkerson, was recognized during the ceremony for his outstanding work with the International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Campaign. The Glendale, Kentucky native is a first-year aeronautics student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, and said he volunteers for multiple reasons.

“I volunteer with the Red Cross to improve myself as a person and because I enjoy helping people,” Fulkerson said.

The International Human Law Youth Action Campaign empowers high school and college-aged students to learn about laws that govern armed conflict, known as international humanitarian law. Youth volunteers educate the American public on humanitarian law through peer-to-peer education campaigns and training.

Fulkerson added that other students should volunteer with the Red Cross because doing so “shows leadership, cooperation, and compassion, all of which are skills colleges are looking for.”

Other volunteers recognized during the ceremony received Exceptional Volunteer Service Awards and Time-in-Service Awards for volunteering with Red Cross chapters across the state.

Red Cross volunteers from throughout the Kentucky Region were
recognized for exceptional volunteer service during a
recognition ceremony, Aug.13, at Fort Knox. 

Disaster Action Team Volunteer, Peter Waldrab, Says Helping Others is 'Rewarding'

Written by Kelly Carroll. Photos provided by Peter Waldrab.

Every day dedicated Red Cross volunteers in Kentucky help their neighbors recover from disasters. When the unthinkable happens, like a house fire, these volunteers assist disaster victims in big and small ways. Peter Waldrab is one such dedicated volunteer. 

Peter and his wife, Alicia, are Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers who meet with families just after they've experienced a home fire. Peter said, "We meet with families, talk with them, and collect information to help case workers get families assistance with recovery." Peter and Alicia serve with the Red Cross in addition to maintaining day jobs and raising three children.  

Peter is the VP of Electric Distributions Operations for Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU). In this role, he leads a team responsible for keeping the lights on in about one million Kentucky homes. Peter explained that because his work keeps him very busy on weekdays, he often volunteers with the Red Cross on weekends.  

Peter started volunteering with the Red Cross Kentucky Region in 2023 after moving to Louisville from Philadelphia in 2022. He explained that supporting others through volunteering is important to him. He emigrated to the United States from the United Kingdom at a young age, and because he received "invaluable helping hands along the way," he wanted to help others. He has previously volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and food banks.  

In addition to helping him give back to the community, volunteering with the Red Cross has also helped Peter get to know the communities in Louisville. "I've met some incredible people volunteering," Peter said. "It's incredible to see how people come together for one another in a difficult time. I routinely see neighbors who were strangers before a fire occurs jump in to support one another in recovery." 

Peter recalled responding to a recent home fire in Indiana where the family lost everything. "The smoke alarms went off, and the family had time to evacuate, but they only got out of the house with the pajamas that they were wearing, their dog, and their cellphones.  Everything else—wallets, cars, etc—was destroyed in the fire." Peter explained that even though the family had insurance to replace their things, they needed short-term help. They had lost their wallets and cars and couldn't get around or buy the things they needed for the next few days. "We were able to provide some valuable information and cover their immediate needs. It was a huge relief for the family, and a rewarding moment for my wife and I," Peter said.  

DAT volunteers like Peter and Alicia make an immeasurable impact on the lives of the people they serve. Thank you, Peter, Alicia, and all the other DAT volunteers, for your continued service! 

Josh Riddle: Neighbors Helping Neighbors through the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program

Written by Remy Kennedy

Josh Riddle wants the message about the Red Cross community adaptation program (CAP) to be one of longevity. “I don’t like to say CAP is only linked to disasters. We’re doing the work whether there’s a disaster or not,” he said. Coming from 7 years of foster care work, Josh joined us in 2022 as our CAP Risk Reduction Manager within Warren County, Kentucky. CAP’s goal within the county is to bolster existing nonprofits and community resources with a focus on the international and low-income communities.  

“Our three H’s are health, hunger and housing. If you take [the 2021] tornado out of the picture, the need is still extremely high. Families need to be connected to food sources. Reliable transportation. Affordable housing. I don’t want people to focus on the tornado. We are working with the community so in case [disruption] happens, people will be more resilient and less likely to be displaced from their homes…,” said Josh. One team goal is to build community coalitions comprised of local organizations to hold regular meetings to brainstorm and plan. 

Josh spoke with us about how the credit for building up the community goes to the people and neighbors helping neighbors. “They were already doing the work. I don’t want to say we are coming in and building resilient people. The resiliency was already there. I’ve never seen groups of people come together like that (after the tornado response). The community was already working together, we are just helping fill in some gaps.” 

The CAP team is working with 15 local partners to improve their programming and community reach. The team helped the International Center of Kentucky install an industrial kitchen in their building, where the women are doing cooking classes and providing food resources. They have provided a passenger van, commercial refrigerators, and freezers to the Delafield Co-Op market. House on the Hill received apple smart devices, walk in coolers and a box truck to assist with their food delivery service. 

These are just a few of the services CAP has provided to help these local organizations provide aid to more families in need. Josh said no day is the same and there isn’t a set “routine” for his job, but he likes it that way. “I have a passion for helping others… It’s a new adventure and a new type of problem to solve every day.” 

Josh has a daughter named Sierra and three grandkids, Kacie, Axel, and Jameson. He’s married to Melissa, and they play in the band, Wet Eyed Liars, together. Melissa sings and plays the guitar, and Josh plays the drums. You can find Wet Eyed Liars on all the streaming services! Josh loves the outdoors and hiking. When he’s at home, he’s snuggling his two dogs, Ollie and Mitski. 

Welcoming Misty Thomas as Red Cross KY Region Volunteer Services Director

We are happy to announce that Misty Thomas is our new Red Cross KY Region Volunteer Services Director, serving KY, southern IN and IL. Misty joined the region team in April 2021, serving as the executive director of the Red Cross Western Kentucky Chapter. Misty will help lead the region with our volunteer services group to recruit new volunteers and engage current volunteers with all lines of services for the Red Cross such as biomed services, disaster response and preparedness, Service to the Armed Forces, among others. Before Misty joined the Red Cross she worked in broadcast journalism, where she had a voice as a leader in the news conversations on K105 and 103.9’s “In the Know” and “Shop Local Leitchfield.”

Misty had only been with the Red Cross a little over six months when the devastating December 2021 tornado swept through much of her chapter area, impacting multiple counties and devastating hundreds of individuals and families. She tirelessly helped her communities by working alongside Red Cross disaster workers, working closely with county judge executives, mayors, and multiple organizations to help communities and families respond and recover from the tornadoes.

“My journey with the American Red Cross has allowed me to serve communities on their darkest days, offer survivors resources, and connect with community partners. However, the unexpected and most fulfilling part has been the opportunity to watch the best of humanity come alive as community members step into the heroic roles of serving their own neighbors. It’s been an honor to serve and guide them. Additionally, the American Red Cross has gifted me the most amazing friendships and opportunities to grow as a humanitarian,” said Misty.

In the three and a half years Misty has been with us, she has jumped in to help, not only in the KY Region, but has deployed to assist in other areas outside of western KY and across the country:

• 
  Worked in public affairs for the 2022 Eastern KY Floods
• Elected Official Liaison in fall 2022 for Hurricane Ian
• Housing Liaison for the 2023 Maui wildfires
• Responded to the 2024 Memorial Day weekend storms, which re-impacted many of the same areas devastated by the 2021 December tornado in western KY.
• Serves as a Kentucky State Relations Representative for the Red Cross

Misty leads with a servant’s heart and has been active in her community serving on many boards and nonprofit groups:

• She was honored as a Kentucky Colonel for her work in co-creating Saving Hope Charities, a transitional living facility for homeless women with children.
• Grayson County Chamber of Commerce President and Vice President
• President of the Twin Lakes Professional Women’s Organization
• Worked with Grayson County Poverty Coalition and Grayson County Women of Worth
• Served as Vice President of Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services

Misty holds a BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning; MS in Human Resources and Organizational Development – both from the University of Louisville and is currently a doctoral candidate at Liberty University where she studies public administration and policy analysis. She has been married for 28 years and has three grown children in their mid-20s.

Finding Strength in Community: The Ward Family's Journey

The Ward Family. Photo credit: Karen Ward

What do you turn to when despair strikes your family? When the devastation takes your breath away? Karen Ward turns to her faith and the strength in community. Karen and Justin Ward have three beautiful girls together, Tenley, Adley, and Caselyn. In December of 2018, Tenley was two years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The family, from Hodgenville, Kentucky, moved temporarily to Cincinnati for treatment at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. 

At four years old, Tenley relapsed and had to receive a bone marrow transplant. After years of treatment and blood transfusions, the family was preparing to go back home. The day they were packing, Adley was diagnosed with the exact same cancer. She was just three years old. The Ward’s had to start their journey all over again, focused on saving Tenley and Adley, while raising Caselyn, who was a newborn baby at the time.

“[Talking about the support] makes me cry. I’m from a small town. Larue county. Full of wonderful people. Above and beyond. In that time, we could have asked for the world, and it would have been delivered to the hospital,” said Karen. Tenley needed to receive blood immediately. “We knew she needed blood and we thought it would be an easy thing. It turned out, she was A-. There was no A- blood anywhere in a radius that would get to us quick enough for when she needed it… It’s a horrible feeling when it’s your child. You want to be able to get them whatever they need,” said Karen. Thankfully, Tenley was able to take the RhoGAM shot to receive a transfusion with a different blood type.

Tenley with Karen.
Photo credit: Karen Ward

Tenley developed a brain injury after her bone marrow transplant. “Tenley had lost all motor function. She couldn’t walk, talk or move her facial features to let you know she was sad, happy, angry. She couldn’t drink or eat… She was in a gait trainer and a wheelchair. It was a long road,” Karen said. 

Tenley and Adley both needed whole blood and platelet transfusions to survive. Platelets are most often used during cancer treatment for blood clotting. “We’ve had lots of transfusions… For us, it became almost a daily thing. My children wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for people who were willing to donate.” Combined, the girls received over 100 blood product transfusions during treatment. 

The family was persevering through prayer. “Because of our faith, we never doubted our kids were going to get better. I think it’s because God protected us from some of that. I remember when Tenley was first diagnosed. The room was quiet, I was at the end of her bed. I told God, you have to take it because it’s too heavy. There were days that were sad and hard. But I never felt hopeless,” said Karen.

Caselyn has had a unique upbringing, as a village of caretakers helped fill in for Karen and Justin when they were needed at the hospital. Karen became emotional discussing Caselyn, as there were times she wanted alone time with her new baby. She didn’t get to share the newborn bonding time with her. “She’s grown up different which she understands and embraces. She was born during the hardest time of our life… God has a way of working all those things out. This child has always been loved. She has been wrapped up in every way possible since she was born.”

Tenley and Adley.
Photo credit: Karen Ward

The community support for the family never wavered. “It makes you so proud of the people here [in Larue county]. They have carried us when we couldn’t walk… I can’t even remember how many blood drives in honor of the girls were put on with huge showings of people. People who signed up for the bone marrow registry because of Tenley and Adley. People started doing fundraisers, there were shirts made. We had a family who donated a wheelchair to Tenley,” said Karen.

Karen said the best part of their story was the inspiration the girls gave people. “I feel like the girls have had a huge impact on a lot of people. The most important ones are people who said ‘My family didn’t really pray before your girls were sick. Now, we pray together every night.’ I feel like if that was the purpose, then it was worth it.” Karen shared many people who were nervous to give blood overcame their fear in honor of the girls.

Tenley, Adley, and Caselyn are currently at home and happy, trying to live with a bit more routine and stability. Tenley developed epilepsy after her brain injury and experiences 5-10 seizures per day. Karen expressed after cancer, “Life doesn’t move on. It’s part of your daily life. She’s happy and that’s what’s most important to us.” Tenley and Adley both do gymnastics and Adley is starting cheer classes, while Caselyn recently started T-ball. Tenley loves music and coloring. The sisters share a tight bond, ganging up on mom and dad when they try to discipline them.

Tenley, Adley, and Caselyn.
Photo credit: Karen Ward

Karen praised Justin, saying he was born to be a girl dad. He’s the perfect balance for Karen, and they give each other strength when the days get exhausting. “Some people say, ‘We don’t know how you all have done it.’ I say, what choice do you have when it’s your kids? You’re going to do whatever you can. We wouldn’t have been able to endure this without our family and the community.” 

You can help people like the Ward family by donating blood. Schedule an upcoming appointment at our Stars, Stripes and Pints blood drive in Louisville! Go to redcrossblood.org and enter code: HERO. You can keep up with Tenley and Adley by following the “Ward Warriors” Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/teamtenleyiamthestorm/

The Ward Family. Photo credit: Karen Ward

Rumble of Resilience: Kids Uniting Through WWE

The Troutman Family

This one is for the first-time blood donors!

Eliza Troutman donated blood for the first time at the Seth’s Squad blood drive back in March. Seth is a 9-year-old currently in remission from cancer. While Eliza was nervous to give, she knew it was important. Her stepson, Beckham, is a 7-year-old recently diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma (DMG). “We met Michelle (Seth’s mom) and Seth through Beckham being diagnosed with cancer. Becks and Seth have bonded over their love of wrestling,” said Eliza. She is married to Ezra, Beckham’s dad.

Beckham is the oldest of 2 siblings and they are a beautiful, blended family. After a relaxing family vacation, Beckham stayed in Florida to spend time with his stepdad and mom, Courtney. Eliza and Ezra traveled back to Kentucky and soon received a devastating call. “He woke up paralyzed. He was fine on vacation at the beach… He just woke up and couldn’t walk. We immediately flew back to Florida. We had to make it to Cincinnati within an hour and a half to catch our flight,” said Eliza.

The family learned that Beckham had a tumor on his spinal cord, at the base of his neck. He received surgery the next morning to remove it. “At first, they said it would be inoperable. But the surgeon got all of it. It was a miracle,” said Eliza. Beckham eventually got transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and received the diagnosis of DMG.

Beckham, left, with Seth, right, at
the Seth's Squad blood drive

Beckham started radiation treatment in September ‘23 and was home by mid-October. “He’s in therapy every day. Hoping to get stronger. His latest scan showed the radiation had worked. It’s now NED- no evidence of disease. It was a big shock to us because they said he would always have it,” said Eliza. He’s now doing better than anyone expected.

While Beckham has been through a lot, the significance lies in who he is as a person rather than his diagnosis. “He’s just a great kid. He is quick witted,” said Eliza. “He would give you the shirt off his back. He finds the light in every situation.” Beckham loves watching WWE and playing Fortnite. “Our family is WWE 24/7,” said Eliza. The family is taking everything day by day and is grateful for the support they have received.

While Beckham’s cancer does not require him to receive blood transfusions, we are thankful for Eliza’s donation in honor of Seth. 25% of blood donations are used for transfusions for cancer patients. No time like the present to become a first-time blood donor! Schedule now at redcrossblood.org

1,000 People Trained in Hands Only CPR!

We have trained over 1,000 people in hands only CPR! 🎉

Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the U.S.- taking the lives of more than 350,000 Americans each year. When a trained rescuer is unavailable, Hands Only CPR can be effective in caring for a person with no signs of life. 

Sponsored by LG&E KU, Hands Only CPR is a non-certification initiative launched through our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) committee aimed at teaching predominantly Black and Hispanic communities. It involves checking for consciousness, calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number, and providing chest compressions.

Sara VonAllmen is thankful for the support we have seen. "Through this initiative, all areas of our regional organization came together to make lifesaving training more accessible to the communities we serve. I have seen the impact this training has had first-hand, and I feel proud to be able to work alongside the team that was able to make this happen."

✋🏿❤️ Over 40 events held

✋🏼❤️ Reached 1,056 people, 80% youth ages 10-18

✋🏾❤️ 12+ nationalities represented

✋🏻❤️ Over 700 of the people reached located within South Central KY Chapter

Hands only CPR is a natural introduction into full CPR training. We recommend your family and friends to learn and get certified! Go to redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to sign up to be trained and certified in full CPR, First Aid, Babysitter’s Training and much more.

Severe Weather Disaster Update

Updated 6/7/24

The Red Cross continues to provide comfort and care for those affected by the Memorial Day weekend severe storms and tornados. The Red Cross is actively providing emergency assistance to residents whose homes were severely impacted.

Red Cross has established multiple Community Outreach Centers throughout Western and South Central Kentucky, as well as multiple mobile community outreach teams, where caseworkers are available to connect one-on-one with people to create individualized recovery plans for those who have had their homes majorly damaged or destroyed, navigate paperwork and locate help from other agencies.

This post will serve as the most up-to-date information about where you can come to the Red Cross for recovery assistance. Other announcements about will be forthcoming.

Community Outreach Center Locations

Caldwell Command Center - EOC
102 Northfield Drive
Princeton, KY 42445
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Landmark Apostolic Holiness Church (Hopkins County)
590 Industrial Park Rd
Dawson Springs, KY 42408
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

If you are unable to attend, you may call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

With the help of partners, as of 6/4/2024, the Red Cross in Kentucky has served nearly 3,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 230 relief items, and has provided help to people with medical or disability needs, as well as emotional and spiritual support.

Success With Purpose: Melissa Jones

Melissa Jones is an account manager on our biomedical team who has seen success building her territory and increasing blood collection to help patient need. She joined our team 7 years ago. “It’s the perfect fit. I get to be competitive and collect as much blood as I can and at the same time, you are directly helping people. Which is one of the things I love most about working with Red Cross,” Melissa said.

The account management team has strong bonds. “I don’t know where I would be without my coworkers,” said Melissa. “We share parenting tips. We share stories. It’s so good to have team members you can go to for anything… They are more than willing to step up and help you. They don’t want anything in return. Everyone does it from the good of their heart and they want to see you do well. We try to bring each other up all the time.”

Melissa’s career is personal, as she has had loved ones who needed blood transfusions to survive. Her dad passed away from leukemia in 1996. “I think he had received about 14 units of blood in treatment. Once I started with Red Cross, my mom went back and found the information,” she said. Melissa’s niece had open heart surgery in January. “Her blood was not pumping right. Her artery was in the wrong chamber of her heart; they had to move the artery into the correct chamber. You’re talking about a 6-hour long procedure. When she was recovering, they automatically gave her platelets. They wouldn’t have done the surgery without platelets being available on the shelves,” Melissa explained.

Her niece is a perfect example of why whole blood transfusions can be better than platelet transfusions during certain major surgeries. “About 5 hours post operation, her blood pressure dropped, and she got really pale. They were afraid she would need a [whole blood] transfusion… That probably wouldn’t have happened if she had a little bit more red blood cells. It would have saved the trauma of the situation. Those monitors start beeping, and everyone comes rushing in the room and you’re panicking,” Melissa explained. Her niece is doing remarkable and better than anyone expected.

One of her favorite blood drives to manage is with a Girl Scout troop in Georgetown, Indiana. “They call themselves the leukemia warriors. We do the drive every November,” she said. Two parents are battling leukemia, and the troop hosts the blood drive in their honor. “Obviously, that’s near and dear to my heart due to everything with my dad. The girls are great to work with,” said Melissa.

Melissa discussed seeing women in leadership and how it’s inspired her. Since she was a little girl, her idol has been Abby Wambach, USA soccer icon, Olympian, activist, and author. Melissa is awed by Abby’s ability to not take no for an answer. “Her consistency is key for so many women. Just because one door closes, it doesn’t mean it’s over. Look for other doors. She’s done that every time. She’s continued her success on her own. She’s looked for her own doors.”

Melissa is married to Zach, and they have two children, Max and Lucy. They enjoy spending time outside on their family homestead. They raise chickens, ducks, and turkeys. The kids love tending to their garden and playing with the animals. 

#MyStoryMonday: Linda Porter

Linda and Rickey Porter

Linda Porter is a familiar face in the Owensboro area. Linda joined the American Red Cross Kentucky Region in 2015 as the Western Kentucky Chapter’s Disaster Program Specialist; a year later she became the Disaster Program Manager after the person who’d previously held the position transferred.

As the Western Kentucky Disaster Program Manager, Linda says there is “no normal day” when it comes to her job. 

“I get to work with all kinds of different folks in different agencies and organizations,” said Linda. “There's always something different when it comes to working with our volunteers or our government or community partners.” 

As part of her job, Linda often attends community meetings, coordinates disaster volunteers and deploys to disasters in the Kentucky and across the country. She deployed in 2021 when tornados impacted Western and South Central Kentucky, and recently spend time deployed to Hawaii to assist with the wildfire response efforts. 

Before joining the Red Cross, Linda worked for the Office of Inspector General in Louisville, KY. She was drawn to the Red Cross because she wanted a job that made an impact in her community the way her previous job couldn’t fulfill: “I was looking for something where I could work with the community. I was looking for something to fulfill a need.”

Working to prepare communities and ensuring they are taken care of after a disaster is the most rewarding part of the job for Linda, and so is “working with such a diverse group of peers, whether it's locally with great volunteers who believe in the mission, or coming together with people from all across the nation to come and serve the mission to help those who are in need.”

One of her favorite memories of working with the Red Cross is of taking a Paducah-area volunteer, who also worked for the fire department, on his first response as part of our disaster action team (DAT). 

“I took him on that response to assist a young lady and her family, and it teared him up,” said Linda.
“He’d never experienced this side because he was always on the side of the fire response. To be able to help the families was emotional for him because he saw what it meant to be able to give her guidance and support in her time of need.”

Linda and Cindy Thompson

Linda is most proud of her team of volunteers and the support they provide to Western Kentucky.

"My volunteer partner, Cindy Thompson, has been with the Red Cross for over 25 years,” said Linda. She leans on her seasoned volunteers for their knowledge and experience but doesn’t discount the work done by newer volunteers. “I've got a great group of volunteers who don't have as much time with the Red Cross but have really supported me along my way because of the mission.”

In her free time, Linda enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and fishing, and she recently had the opportunity to go hiking during her deployment to Hawaii.

Linda and family

National Volunteer Week – Kathleen Doughty

By Kevin Sandell, American Red Cross communications volunteer

As board chair, leading the efforts of an organization’s board of directors is not for the fainthearted. A lot is riding on the board’s ability to guide the organization to meeting its objectives. For the current Board Chair of the American Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter, serving with the chapter’s board is an opportunity for the chapter to reach new heights. 

“We have a big potential, but we’re just tapping that potential,” Kathleen Doughty, the chapter’s Board Chair, said.

Doughty, who has lived in Kentucky for nearly three decades, has served on the chapter’s board since July 2017. Her roles not only include facilitation of the board’s meetings, but also directing the efforts of the board to guide the local Red Cross chapter in serving its local communities.

Doughty said the board is comprised of 12 members from all walks of life. She previously worked in higher education and then a local home healthcare agency. After leaving the education and healthcare fields, she opened her own business, which specializes in laser-engraved, personalized gifts and holiday ornaments. 

Her father’s service as a firefighter paramedic in Massachusetts inspired her interest in emergency and disaster response at a young age. She served as an emergency dispatcher in South Carolina and Kentucky but wanted to be able to “see the action, instead of just hearing it on the phone and through the radio,” she said. At that time, women firefighters were not common in the fire service, so she decided to earn her paramedic certification, and eventually earned the rank of lieutenant in a paramedic department in Charleston, South Carolina. 

While working as an emergency dispatcher in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Doughty said a police officer in the department served on the local Red Cross board, which also intrigued her about board membership.

Serving in South Carolina, Doughty said the state endured several hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 hurricane. It was at that time where she saw the American Red Cross in action providing support to local affected communities. She said it is important for everyone to do something to mitigate the effects of disasters.

“Disasters don’t discriminate,” Doughty said. “People may be fine, and others lose everything. [Disasters] go where [they] want to go. Everybody needs to be doing something.”

Emphasizing the need for people to step up during disasters, she added, “There’s a lot of ways for people to volunteer. You can do as little as you want or as much as you want.”

Doughty, who is a “big blood donation supporter” said the South Central Kentucky Chapter wants to increase awareness and understanding of donating blood and the importance of working smoke alarms in homes and businesses. The Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter serves 22 counties in Kentucky, and serves as the Service to Armed Forces station at Fort Knox, the U.S. Army base south of Louisville.

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross at redcross.org/volunteertoday

Volunteer Highlight - Priscilla Johnson

By Kevin Sandell, American Red Cross communications volunteer

Over her seven year period volunteering with the American Red Cross, Priscilla Johnson seems to have done it all. She has served in media relations, biomedical services, a community volunteer lead and government liaison, caseworker, and with the Disaster Cycle Services. The work, she says, gives her the opportunity to strengthen ties and help vulnerable populations.

“It’s so satisfying helping those vulnerable people and families,” Priscilla said. “My volunteering gives me the opportunity to make new acquaintances, learn new skills, strengthen ties to our beloved community, and broadens my network to people of common interest.”

The Lexington, Kentucky native, who serves with the Bluegrass Area Chapter under the American Red Cross Kentucky Region, said many people believe her many jobs with the Red Cross are paid positions.

“Most folks think it’s a paid opportunity job and not a volunteer, because I give it my heart and 100% commitment,” she said. 

The Red Cross does a good job of treating her with dignity and recognizing and awarding her volunteer work, she says. She was inspired to serve with the Red Cross after her brother started working with the Red Cross Wheels Service to drive patients to and from their medical appointments. Recently diagnosed with cancer, he used the opportunity to keep his mind busy and distracted from his diagnosis. Although her brother eventually succumbed to cancer, Priscilla said the Red Cross “helped prolong [his] life,” as he loved serving other patients as a Red Cross volunteer. 

“[It] makes me tear up every time I think of this opportunity he was given,” Priscilla said.  

The personal connection to the Red Cross means a lot for Priscilla. 

“I have a strong passion for the Red Cross because I believe that my volunteering can continue to make positive impact on the community and around the world while also gaining valuable experience and skills,” she said. “The personal connection and passion for the cause affords me the eagerness to contribute and keep coming back.”

Serving with the Red Cross is important for others to consider because it “truly provides the sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills,”  and gets people out of their comfort zones, she said. “I'm a people person and I know I can sleep good at night knowing I tried to help someone.”

The Reliability and Devotion of House on the Hill

Joel Hawkins with Halie Chamberlain

How do we combat over half of Americans living one crisis away from homelessness? With agencies like House on the Hill (HotH) who work diligently to provide access to fresh food and housing to low-income families. We spoke with Joel Hawkins, Executive Director at HotH.

“House on the Hill formed in 2010 in Mississippi,” said Joel. They reestablished in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “We have a food box program that we run. We currently serve 250 families per month… With the help of Red Cross and other agencies, we opened a free grocery store in one of the small communities in the county.”

The families that receive food boxes can now have a shopping experience and choose the produce and goods they want to take home. “Empowering families is one way we have been trying to combat the stigma of poverty,” said Joel. “The work we do focuses on the dignity of the clients we serve. The grocery store program is one of those ways we try to instill dignity. It empowers the family to come make their own food choices. But it also gives them the opportunity to shop at a grocery store instead of sitting at home and waiting on a box to be delivered.”

Our Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP) has allowed HotH to advance their service to communities in Warren County. CAP is centered around communities that are at high risk for extreme weather and face socioeconomic challenges. CAP strengthens local nonprofits and their programs before a disaster and seeks to serve families hit hard by this new increasing state of climate disasters. “With CAP, we have received a forklift, a walk-in cooler to provide fresh produce, and a deep freezer we keep proteins in,” said Joel. 

His team is working to turn their focus to affordable housing options for low-income families. “This partnership with Red Cross has allowed us to look at innovative solutions to meet those needs. Whether it’s food, housing, or other programs. We also know a lot of health issues are created because of the housing situations our families are in. So, to be able to provide safe, inhabitable, affordable housing for low-income folks is now on our horizon because of the work.”

The housing program will look to build new houses in neighborhoods that provide common amenities. It will have supplemental aid if families are unable to make rent or pay utility bills on a given month if finances are tight. “Through this program, they won’t have to face getting evicted,” said Joel. While the 2021 western Kentucky tornadoes brought a focus to marginalized communities, Joel wants the spotlight placed on the kindness and service of the people.

“That’s what I’d love for the story to be is how neighbors help neighbors. We have many people who want to volunteer at the grocery store… Our neighbors are coming together all the time in little pockets around the community,” he said. Joel told us about how agencies showed up with little to do after the tornadoes because community members had already jumped in to do clean up.

He’s most proud of the stability that HotH provides. “We don’t just show up, provide a little bit of help, and leave. We stay.” One of their goals is to develop a community garden and pavilion on the property of the grocery store.

Joel is married to Jackie, and they live on a small farm in Warren County with a couple of miniature horses and dogs. Their son, Jackson, is an artist teaching glass blowing at University in Missouri.

Joel with his wife and son.

Kaitlin Gonzalez: DE&I Beyond Expectations

While diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become buzz words, people like Kaitlin Gonzalez have been doing this significant work for years. She is a DEI expert, conducting trainings and consulting businesses. She facilitated a training with the American Red Cross Western Kentucky chapter, which led her to become a board member. “Our goal is to make our board diverse. We are working on attracting board members who look like our community. Our board members understand cultural sensitivity. It’s important for people to feel like they belong and are accepted,” said Kaitlin.

Kaitlin believes our differences can inspire positive change. “It's important for people to know about DEI so we have an awareness of differences and similarities. We don’t have to be fearful of those differences; They can bring strengths. We should embrace it and harness it for the good.”

She is passionate about the international community. Kaitlin previously taught English as a second language (ESL) at Owensboro Technical Community College and Daviess County High School. She also worked for a nonprofit organization in refugee services. “In ESL classes, we taught skills such as everyday activities which might have been different than what they were used to in their home country. Providing cultural orientation,” she said.

Her interest in international cultures led her to explore international law. She began teaching International Humanitarian Law (IHL) at Daviess County High School, a learning experience offered through the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC). IHL is a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict. It protects people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.

“Towards the end of our program was the invasion of Ukraine. We were able to look at real life examples and see what was happening in current day. We discussed what was following the rules of law. It’s so good for students to learn about it because they have history classes. It goes so well with what they are learning in school. It makes them think more complex and engage in critical thinking; Think about situations that aren’t just black and white. We would ask, ‘What would you do in this situation?” Kaitlin explained.

Her background with refugee services led her to discover our Restoring Family Links (RFL) program. RFL provides free and confidential services to help families reconnect during times of disruption. Kaitlin recently completed her training to become a RFL caseworker. “This is a perfect fit for me… I’m happy I get to work with the refugee population again and help them in this way of reconnecting with family.”

She is also a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member. DAT teams respond to personal emergencies like home fires to provide care and support. Kaitlin described helping a family after their house was destroyed by a fire. “We were able to give comfort to them… In a moment of helplessness, they were so appreciative. It made me feel good.” She commented having empathy is vital.

Kaitlin reflected on the impact volunteering has had on her. “[The Red Cross] is such a big part of my life now… It’s amazing how much they impact their communities. Knowing there are Red Cross organizations all over the world. We are all working toward the same goal, and we all have the same principles.

Kaitlin is married to Jose, and they have three fur babies together: Chico, Havana, and Mila. The couple met at Daviess County High School on the Latin dance team. Kaitlin said her passion for dance grew from the team, as she now teaches Zumba and Zumbini classes.

Volunteer Highlight - Corey Gant

As a firefighter, Corey Gant knows firsthand the importance of being prepared. Originally from Louisville, KY, Corey moved to Owensboro for college. He joined the Owensboro Fire Department after he graduated and is the Battalion Chief of Training for the fire department. He joined the Red Cross around 2016 and is on our Western Kentucky Chapter board.

Giving back to his community is what made Corey decide to volunteer: “I was still just a firefighter at the time, and I was kind of looking for a way to get involved with a group. At the time the executive director asked the fire department to be a part of the Red Cross board here in Western Kentucky. I was asked to fill that role for the fire department, and that’s really how it started.”

During his tenure with the Red Cross, Corey has been both vice chair and chair of the Western Kentucky Chapter board. He helped Misty Thomas, our Western Kentucky Chapter executive director, get up to speed on the board when she joined the Red Cross. His biggest role, however, is volunteering with the Home Fire Campaign. The American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign helps save lives by installing free smoke alarms in homes that don't have them, and by educating people about home fire safety.

“It's hard to not see the importance in it,” said Corey. “I’ve volunteered for several of the home fire campaign events.” The Owensboro Fire Department also partners with the Red Cross to install smoke alarms in homes that need them in the city of Owensboro. Corey tries to help in other areas when he can, including helping with blood drives and by being a blood donor himself. 

For Corey, the most interesting part of volunteering is getting to go out and serve his community. 

“It's kind of what we do in the fire service, and on a different scale,” said Corey. “It’s hard for me to be part of the recovery side because it's what I do [with the fire department]. I’m usually responding. I try to help out on the preparedness side, get out and meet people and make sure they understand the importance of being prepared and what they need to handle house fires or natural disasters.”

Corey encourages others to volunteer because getting out there and supporting an organization like the Red Cross helps the people around us and helps build up the community.

“Even if you can't go give your time, there are other things that you can do to help support the Red Cross and help support others that go through catastrophes,” said Corey. “It’s good for the soul, but it's also good for the community. You’re helping people in a way that not everybody can.”

Outside of volunteering, Corey enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, who will turn two years old in June. They visit Louisville as often as they can, and enjoy going to Nashville, traveling, and attending hockey games.

Thank you, Corey, for all you do!

Third-Generation Volunteer, Rebecca Cartmell, Heads Disaster Response in Mason County

By Kelly Carroll, American Red Cross volunteer

Rebecca's mother 
and daughter

Rebecca Cartmell has been volunteering with the American Red Cross practically since birth. Her grandmother and mother were both volunteers, and she recalls going with her mother to board meetings and blood drives, where she took donors’ temperatures and transported typewriters into and out of the buildings. When Rebecca was young, a tornado hit her hometown of Maysville, Kentucky, and her mother helped with the recovery efforts. 

Later, as an adult, Rebecca was recruited to serve on the local Red Cross board. She was employed by the organization for a period of time. Currently, she is the Mason County Disaster Action Team Lead, a completely volunteer role. When a disaster occurs—such as a flood, home fire or storm—she contacts the people affected on behalf of the Red Cross and helps in their recovery.

Rebecca and her daughter before
a Pillowcase Project presentation

Rebecca tries to contact families within two hours, and often within 30 minutes, to “find out what their needs are and see what we can do to help.” Often, with a single-family fire (the most common type of disaster), Rebecca arrives when the fire department is still on the scene and “the people are standing on their lawn.” The Red Cross provides resources and services and also connects facilities to other organizations that can help.

Rebecca acknowledged that the grave nature of her work with the Red Cross can be “emotionally taxing,” but was quick to point out the sense of accomplishment she gets from the role. “You feel good about helping other people,” she said.

In her many years of service to the Red Cross, Rebecca has served in many ways. In addition to disaster response, she has canvassed neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms in homes, taught CPR, visited schools for “The Pillowcase Project,” a disaster preparedness program for elementary-aged children, and facilitated communication with people deployed in the armed forces.

Rebecca’s family legacy of serving with the Red Cross continues with her 33-year-old daughter, Ellen Cartmell, who currently serves on the local board and disaster action team. In the past, Ellen worked for the Red Cross in Washington, D.C., and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva, Switzerland. Through innumerable acts of service, big and small, their family has served through the Red Cross for four generations and counting!