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ST. MARYS - Following the severe storm event last month, Memorial Health Foundation approved an emergency grant to help the citizens of St. Marys, Sistersville, Newport, New Matamoras and surrounding communities.
On July 21, disaster struck the cluster of small, rural towns when twin tornados touched ground. The strong winds and heavy rain not only collapsed roofs, twisted radio towers, and shattered windows, but also flipped mobile homes, mowed down trees and tore the West Virginia welcome sign from the historic Carpenter Bridge.
A total of $5,000 from Memorial Health Foundation will assist those affected in St. Marys and the surrounding affected areas with temporary housing and other urgent needs, including tarps for damaged homes.
After seeing the destruction in her community, Heather Straight, DO, Primary Care Physician with Memorial Health System, knew she could reach out to Memorial Health Foundation for assistance.
"The people of Pleasants County have long demonstrated that resilience is strongest when shared," Straight said. "Whether through volunteering, donating resources, or simply offering a helping hand, the response to this disaster has reflected the very best of who we are."
The Pleasant Area Ministerial Association, led by Dan Boley, will oversee the distribution of funds.
"On behalf of the Pleasants Area Ministerial Association, the grant from Memorial Health Foundation is allowing us to ensure housing for people displaced by the recent tornadoes in Pleasants County," said Boley. "This is very much appreciated."
According to a press release from Memorial Health, when the request came before the Memorial Health Foundation, its Board of Trustees moved quickly to support the recovery efforts.
"We are honored to assist the recovery effort in Pleasants County and the surrounding communities," said Jarrett Stull, executive director of the Memorial Health Foundation. "When disasters disrupt housing and daily life, the effects can be felt far beyond the immediate damage, impacting the physical and mental well-being of individuals and families. Supporting recovery efforts is one way we can help communities restore stability and health."
Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit regional health system led by a volunteer board of community members. Their mission is to provide healthcare services that meet the needs of the region with expertise, compassion and convenient access. According to MHS, they offer a network of locations and specialties provided by over 3,500 valued team members, including three hospitals, outpatient service sites, provider clinics and a virtual urgent care app--MemorialCareNow. You can learn more by visiting mhsystem.org.
Memorial Health Foundation, is a not-for-profit organization and states it has been dedicated to building a healthier community through education, special patient assistance funds, charity care, state-of-the-art medical equipment and funding to areas where the need is greatest throughout the Memorial Health System and the community. You can learn more by visiting mhsystem.org/foundation.