Envisioning the Post-Flood Future of Eastern Kentucky
Episode Four of RISE explores the psychology of crisis and how mental health has been affected by experiencing the flash flood of July 27-28, 2023. Hear about impacts on survivors who have lost everything, children troubled by rainfall, communities destroyed by floodwaters, the stress and strain on caseworkers and first responders, as well as a strong cultural resistance to seeking professional mental health care. But for all of the trauma, neighbors have helped neighbors get by, kindness undeterred by crisis.
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About this Series
RISE is a series of conversations and solutions-seeking journalism that focus on the realities of the present and prospects for the future of Eastern Kentucky. This series of special editions of Eastern Standard, the weekly WEKU current affairs magazine program, came about in response to the unprecedented flooding experienced by many Eastern Kentucky communities in July of 2022 and the myriad questions and dilemmas the flood event has raised. The series will explore what contributed to the disaster, how communities are responding and what leadership, programs and resources will be needed to address the challenges and embrace the opportunities ahead.
This series is hosted by Eastern Standard's, Tom Martin. The RISE team is committed to providing clear and accurate information, raising policy issues and amplifying local voices as Eastern Kentucky navigates a future made less certain by climate change.