By Dominic Manecke, Building Kentucky
More than 4,000 Kentuckians will experience homelessness on any given day, according to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. To support the basic necessities of these unhoused Kentuckians, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid is donating $10,000 to eight organizations across the Commonwealth to open and operate ‘care closets,’ totaling $80,000.
“Everyone deserves dignity, respect and good health, and these care closets are one way we at Anthem are supporting efforts that ensure our most vulnerable neighbors across the Commonwealth can access essential hygiene products and supplies in a safe, humane and dignified way,” said Leon Lamoreaux, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid President in Kentucky. “We salute the work of Christ’s Hands in addressing the physical, psychological and emotional needs of countless individuals in Harlan County, and we are proud to collaborate with them to guarantee the health, comfort and confidence of Kentuckians experiencing homelessness.”
These closets will be stocked with personal care products, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, laundry detergent, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and more.
“Right now, too many Kentuckians experiencing homelessness lack adequate access to routine personal care and hygiene products that many of us take for granted,” added State Senator Johnnie Turner. “Throughout my time in office, I have worked tirelessly at extending a ‘helping hand’ and increasing access to services for individuals and families. I am proud to support this exciting partnership between Anthem and Christ’s Hands, and I stand with them in continuing our collective efforts to guarantee that more people across the Commonwealth can focus on building a brighter future for themselves.”
“I’m thankful for Christ’s Hands and Anthem teaming up to make sure our community members have the necessary resources and consistent support they need,” said Representative Chris Fugate, who represents Perry and parts of Harlan County. “Their support continues to expand, and we can see both company’s commitment to personal well-being with this hygiene closet.”
To date, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid has pledged $160,000 to improve health outcomes for Kentuckians experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness as well as mothers, soon-to-be moms and their children impacted by domestic violence.
Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky is available at www.anthem.com.
