Rebuilding Health and Hope After the Storm: A Call to Action for Resilience in Kentucky and Missouri

Dr. Frederick Echols discusses health impacts after devastating Midwestern tornado event.

The recent tornadoes that swept through parts of Kentucky and Missouri have left a heartbreaking trail of loss—homes flattened, lives disrupted, and entire communities shaken. In moments like these, we grieve, we respond, and we rebuild. But we also reflect. Because the effects of a disaster go beyond the visible damage—they ripple through the health, safety, and social fabric of our communities.

As someone who has worked in public health and emergency response, I know the real recovery begins after the headlines fade and the media turns its focus to the next big thing. Let’s take a closer look at how these storms affect health in both the short and long term—and what we can do, together, to build stronger, more resilient communities.

The Hidden Health Crisis After a Tornado

Short-term health threats are often immediate and visible:

Physical injuries from flying debris, collapsed structures, or power tool misuse during cleanup.

Respiratory problems from mold, dust, or exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Outbreaks of illness due to contaminated water, lack of sanitation, or crowded shelters (CDC, 2023).

Long-term impacts, though less visible, can be life threatening:

Mental health challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders often emerge or worsen after trauma—especially among children, older adults, and first responders (SAMHSA, 2022).

Interrupted care for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or cancer due to damaged clinics, lost medications, or displacement.

Health disparities deepen for marginalized populations already facing barriers to care.

The Impact on Determinants of Health

Disasters don’t just destroy buildings—they dismantle the systems people rely on to survive. These include:

1. Housing and Shelter

Tornadoes can displace hundreds or even thousands of people. Without stable housing, individuals are more likely to experience stress-related illnesses, interrupted medical care, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Emergency shelters help in the short term, but we must advocate for long-term housing solutions and rebuild with equity in mind (FEMA, 2021).

2. Food Security

With grocery stores damaged, transportation systems down, and families without kitchens, food insecurity rises quickly after a disaster. Access to healthy, culturally appropriate food is essential not just for nutrition—but also for mental stability and community connection.

3. Employment and Income

Many residents lose income when local businesses are destroyed or jobs are paused. For hourly workers or those in the gig economy, even a short disruption can lead to financial crisis—contributing to poor health outcomes and delayed recovery.

4. Access to Care

Underserved areas, in particular, often struggle with healthcare access even before a disaster. When clinics are closed and transportation is limited, people miss follow-ups, lose access to medications, and delay preventive care.

Strategies to Mitigate Health Impacts

Here are practical steps residents and communities can take to safeguard their health and well-being—now and in the future:

Physical Health & Safety

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Don’t delay care for injuries or symptoms. Use local emergency departments or temporary aid stations.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, boots, goggles, and masks reduce the risk of infection and injury during cleanup (OSHA, 2023).

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Clean water and balanced meals are critical. Contact local food banks or FEMA for emergency food distribution sites.

Mental Health Support

Normalize Asking for Help: It’s okay not to be okay. Speak with a counselor, faith leader, or support group.

Check on Others: Isolation can worsen despair. A simple phone call to check on your neighbor and family member(s) can make a big difference.

Children Need Structure: Return to routines as soon as possible, even in shelters or temporary housing.

Management of Chronic Illnesses

Replace Lost Medications Promptly: Pharmacies often set up mobile units after disasters—check local health department and Federally Qualified Health Centers updates.

Maintain Communication With Providers: Telehealth options are often available even when facilities are closed.

Keep Medical Records Safe: Use waterproof containers or digital backups if possible.

How to Safely Contribute to Cleanup

Cleanup is essential—but must be done safely:

Join Organized Volunteer Groups instead of acting alone. Local governments and nonprofits coordinate cleanups and can provide safety training and gear.

Avoid Downed Power Lines and Gas Leaks. Report these immediately.

Take Breaks and Hydrate. Overexertion, especially in hot or humid weather, is dangerous.

Follow Health Department Regulations to prevent additional damage to the health and wellbeing of impacted communities. For example, failure to comply with food preparation and distribution guidelines can result in outbreaks of foodborne illness.

Rebuilding Stronger: Long-Term Community Resilience

We don’t just want to recover—we want to rebuild stronger. That means:

1. Building Better Infrastructure

Invest in storm shelters, safe rooms, and stronger building codes.

Create accessible community emergency hubs in schools, churches, and libraries.

2. Community Education

Conduct regular emergency drills and training for residents.

Distribute family preparedness plans in multiple languages.

3. Equity-Centered Recovery

Ensure underserved communities have equal access to recovery resources.

Partner with trusted local leaders and organizations to reach vulnerable populations.

4. Strengthening Social Bonds

Community support circles, service projects and other culturally appropriate events can help restore a sense of unity and purpose.

Local leaders must intentionally include diverse voices in rebuilding conversations and implementation activities.

Proper Recovery Requires Collaboration

Recovery isn’t just about repairing what was lost—it’s about reshaping what’s possible. The tornadoes in Kentucky and Missouri remind us that resilience is not built in isolation. It grows through connection, compassion, and the collective will and collaborative efforts to build back better.

References (APA)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Stay safe after a tornado. https://www.cdc.gov/tornadoes/safety/stay-safe-after-a-tornado-safety.html

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2021). Equity and climate resilience in disaster recovery. https://www.fema.gov/blog

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2023). Tornado response and recovery. https://www.osha.gov/tornado/response

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Coping with disaster. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/disaster-preparedness

United States Department of Agriculture. (2023). Food and nutrition disaster response. https://www.usda.gov/topics/disaster-response

Dr. Frederick Echols, MD, is available as a subject matter expert on public health for press interviews and speaking engagements.

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About Dr. Fredrick Echols, MD

Dr. Fredrick L. Echols, MD is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Population Health and Social Justice Consulting, LLC, an Obama Foundation Global Leader, sought-after public speaker, black men’s health advocate, and accomplished physician with over 15 years of experience in public health. He has worked extensively with public and private sectors to address complex health issues through evidence-informed approaches. Dr. Echols is a graduate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Population Health Training in Place program and the ASTHO-Morehouse School of Medicine’s Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health program.

Passionate about health and justice, Dr . Echols’ notable roles include serving as Chief Executive Officer for Cure Violence Global, Health Commissioner for the City of St. Louis, and Director of Communicable Disease and Emergency Preparedness for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. In these roles, he oversaw public health regulations, led COVID-19 response efforts, managed daily operations, and developed strategic partnerships. Dr. Echols also served as Chief of Communicable Diseases for the Illinois Department of Public Health and as a physician in the U.S. Navy. He continues to contribute to public health research and guides health organizations globally.