Gov. Beshear reports no deaths in latest round of severe weather

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather, Donate Life Month, action to support federal employees and the final winner of the New Kentucky Home giveaway.

Officials say Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, joined Gov. Beshear to provide an update on the “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative. The governor also made a leadership announcement and named Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star as he will be retiring August 1.

Severe weather

In regard to severe weather, Gov. Beshear says so far, there have not been any fatalities reported, but there have been a few injuries, as well as damage to buildings and other property.

“We are thankful everyone is safe, but the next thing we have to do is make sure everyone remains weather aware over the next few days,” said Gov. Beshear. “We will continue to see heavy rains, and flash flooding is expected in western Kentucky.”

Officials say more waves of storms are expected Thursday afternoon and evening. Heavy rain, high winds and hail are all possible, with a chance for isolated tornadoes in southern and eastern Kentucky. On Friday, the highest area of concern is far western Kentucky, and Saturday, storms are expected throughout the state. With heavy rain coming through the next few days, the National Weather Service is expecting major flooding, with particular concern in western Kentucky. Kentuckians should remain weather aware, have multiple ways to get weather alerts and be prepared to find higher ground if necessary.

Gov. Beshear says emergency management remains activated, swift water rescue teams are activated and soldiers and airmen from the Kentucky National Guard are actively supporting communities and emergency management partners. As of Thursday morning, there were 32,604 power outages across the commonwealth. Kentucky State Police received a total of 3,464 calls Wednesday night. State highway crews are working across the state, clearing trees and debris, and assisting utility crews clearing downed power lines, to reopen roads. At least 25 state highways are blocked by floodwater so far, mainly in western Kentucky.

Gov. Beshear urges Kentuckians to be careful on the roads and never drive through standing water.

Donate Life Month

Gov. Beshear recognized April as Donate Life Month, raising awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. Representatives from the National Kidney Foundation, Network for Hope, Second Chance at Life and Donate Life KY, transplant surgeons from UK Healthcare and UofL Health, donors and family members of transplant recipients joined the news conference to be recognized.

“More than 100,000 Americans – and more than 1,000 Kentuckians – are on the organ transplant list, waiting for that phone call that could save their life,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is where you can help a neighbor in need. You can register today to become an organ, eye and tissue donor through the National Donate Life Registry at RegisterMe.org, regional driver licensing offices or at any Circuit Court Clerk’s office.”

Team Kentucky for federal employees

Gov. Beshear provided an update on action the commonwealth is taking to support federal employees who may have lost their jobs due to action taken by the federal administration. Team Kentucky is working to make it easier for displaced federal employees to find employment. The Personnel Cabinet is hosting a virtual career fair on April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon EDT. The cabinet has also established a hotline with career counselors available at 502-564-8030.

If anyone has been impacted by federal layoffs, officials ask for them to please go here for a comprehensive list of resources.

Our Healthy Kentucky Home

Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, which is a one-year initiative to promote “simple, positive and attainable goals” to “inspire and motivate” Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For April, the initiative is highlighting mental health, and Dr. Stack encouraged Kentuckians to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, maintain strong social connections and have serious conversations with friends and family members about mental health.

Dr. Stack also highlighted the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing mental health-related distress.

Leadership announcement and Team Kentucky All-Star

Gov. Beshear named Eric Friedlander, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star, as he will be retiring August 1. Dr. Steven Stack, the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, will take over as the new secretary of the cabinet.

“Most Kentuckians know these two leaders, because they helped us through a once-in-a-century pandemic,” said Gov. Beshear. “Secretary Friedlander has spent more than 40 years in public service, working day in and day out to help our Kentucky families. His retirement is certainly deserved. And Dr. Stack is more than ready to take on this job. He has shown leadership in the most difficult of times, and now we get to work together to make people healthier, solve some of the complicated medical and health problems facing our commonwealth and improve the lives of Kentuckians.”