In light of the tornados that ripped through numerous Kentucky towns in December of 2021, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) recently donated $5,000 to three organizations in Kentucky that are providing aid in the aftermath of the disaster: Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, State Street Baptist Church and Kentucky Legal Aid. Additionally, the Foundation gave $1,000 to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City to aid relief efforts for the tragic Bronx apartment fire in January.

“Disasters mean that, beyond the devastation and physical injury, peoples’ mental health is at risk,” said APAF Executive Director Rawle Andrews, Jr., Esq. “In these moments of tragedy and trauma, the APAF is pleased to give to the local organizations that are on the frontlines of ensuring peoples’ long-term well-being and recovery.”

Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, established by Governor Andy Beshear, was created to assist those impacted by the December tornadoes. Individuals at State Street Baptist Church have organized donation drives to provide victims with supplies such as food, heaters, blankets, diapers, toys and more.

“APA's Foundation was very instrumental in aiding more than 105 displaced families, as a result of a devastating tornado in the early morning of Dec. 10, 2021, in the city of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Their generosity is greatly appreciated, and it aligns with our mission statement of 2022: When We Show Grace, We Display God's Face!” said Reverend Kourtney M. Warren of State Street Baptist Church.

With the assistance of the team of attorneys and experts at Kentucky Legal Aid (KLA), tornado victims with low incomes, the elderly, and other vulnerable survivors will have access to free representation, legal counsel and advice, and education about civil legal rights and remedies to assist them through this difficult time.

“Kentucky Legal Aid is honored to receive a generous donation from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation,” said Kentucky Legal Aid Executive Director Amanda Young. “For more than 40 years, KLA has provided low-income clients with civil legal services during life crises such as domestic violence, eviction and foreclosure. Now, as the communities we serve begin to recover from the devastating tornadoes that ravaged our region, we are assisting clients who face exacerbated problems and new legal challenges. KLA deeply appreciates the APA’s partnership as we assist clients in navigating the stress and trauma of problems that arise in the aftermath of the storms.”

The APAF also donated $1,000 to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, which aids in the distribution of emergency relief supplies and provides support for the victims and their families. The Fund is currently focusing its efforts on providing relief to victims of the Bronx fire that took place on the morning of Jan. 9, 2022, in which a high-rise caught fire and tragically took the lives of 17 individuals.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information please visit www.psychiatry.org.

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation is the philanthropic and educational arm of APA. The APA Foundation promotes awareness of mental illnesses and the effectiveness of treatment, the importance of early intervention, access to care, and the need for high-quality services and treatment through a combination of public and professional education, research, research training, grants, and awards.