Summer Breeze program helps residents beat the heat

For the 26th year, St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky is hosting the Summer Breeze program, an annual heat relief program sponsored by St. Elizabeth Healthcare. This program will run through Aug. 31 and was started to alleviate the summer heat with air conditioning units and fans for those in need.

“The heat and humidity that the summer brings can exacerbate many health conditions,” Becca Gerding, programs director at St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky, says. Air conditioning units and fans made available from the support of the community, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, the Agnes Nordloh Charitable Trust and St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky can help ease these issues.

These air conditioners are available to NKY neighbors with a documented medical condition and fans to any neighbor in need.

“For the last few months, we have been facing frequent sudden changes in weather and are forecasted to have a hot summer this year,” says Dr. Chaitanya Mandapakala, medical director of Chronic Lung Diseases at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “Such conditions cause an increase in breathing problems and other issues in many people, especially those with chronic lung diseases. It is unfortunate that not everyone has access to cool, clean air in hot summers due to several reasons including income inequities and disparities. This could very much lead to worsening of health, hospitalization or other long-term effects in such people. I am thankful for initiatives like St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky’s annual Summer Breeze Program, which are providing air conditioners and fans to communities in need and saving lives.”

“This program plays a vital role in safeguarding the health of our community members as temperatures soar,” says Karen Zengel, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky.

The AC units are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Neighbors who qualify can receive one. St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky will load the unit into the vehicle, but the neighbor is responsible for the installation of the unit.

Last summer, St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky provided 287 AC units and fans valued at more than $22,500.

“Being able to provide valuable resources to our neighbors in need is an important initiative for St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky,” Gerding says. “We are grateful for the support from the community that has allowed us to continue this program for more than 25 years and we look forward to helping our community stay cool for warm summers ahead.”

If you know a neighbor who suffers from upper respiratory conditions and needs an air conditioner or anyone who needs a fan, they are advised to call SVDP NKY at the Assistance Help Line at 859-341-3219. The line is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.