LEXINGTON, Ky. – In response to the devastating flooding that has impacted communities across Appalachia, Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) and the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities are partnering with WKYT-TV and WYMT-TV to host “Appalachia Strong,” a special telethon dedicated to raising funds for relief efforts bringing together local leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members to provide much-needed support to those affected.

The live event will air on WKYT-TV and WYMT-TV throughout the day this Thursday, Feb 20 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The telethon will showcase the resilience of our Appalachian communities, highlight the dedication of the region’s healthcare teams, and feature inspiring stories and performances — all with the goal of mobilizing much-needed relief for impacted families throughout the region. 

Viewers will have multiple ways to contribute, donating by phone, online, or mailing checks, with 100 percent of proceeds directed to flood relief efforts. 

“As a healthcare provider deeply invested in the well-being of this region, we’ve witnessed the immense toll this disaster has taken on our patients, employees, and neighbors,” said ARH President and CEO Hollie Harris. “‘Appalachia Strong’ is our way of standing with our community, offering hope, and ensuring that those in need receive critical support.”

Jeff Anderson, Vice President and General Manager of WKYT-TV and WYMT-TV, said the stations are committed to serving as a voice for Kentucky, not just in reporting on the crisis but in taking action.

“Through initiatives like “Appalachia Strong,” we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our viewers. This telethon is a call to rally together and make a real impact,” Anderson said. “We are honored to join forces with ARH and the ARH Foundation to help Appalachian families rebuild and recover.”

In addition to the telethon, ARH continues its efforts to collect desperately needed supplies. A full list of needed supplies can be found at www.arh.org/floods.

DROP-OFF LOCATION & HOURS:

ARH System Center – Lexington

2260 Executive Drive, Lexington, KY

Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ARH Disaster Relief Center (Former JC Penney Building)

278 Black Gold Blvd, Hazard, KY
Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Former Highlands ARH Cancer Center building (on the Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center campus)

5000 KY Route 321, Prestonsburg, KY
Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information on how to contribute or to get assistance, visit www.arh.org/floods.

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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies and medical spas. ARH employs approximately 6,400 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $474 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 1,300 providers on staff across its multi-state system. ARH is the largest provider of care and the single largst employer in southeastern Kentucky, and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia