Act Locally

     I spent Thursday and Friday, March 15 & 16, in Berea, Ky. at the Kentucky Rural Health Initiative Grant Writing Workshop.  Most of the other attendees were from out in the state and were in larger community health organizations.  I was an anomaly in that I was from a startup nonprofit and from an urban area.  Even though I wasn't the target audience I came away from the workshop with a ton of invaluable information and lots of new contacts.  
     I felt lucky to be focused on one thing.  Most of the people I met are initiating needle exchanges, running opioid addiction programs, battling pandemic hepatitis C levels and still handling black lung cases.  Their stories and insights gave me hope for our state's future and pride in the people fighting on the front lines everyday despite dwindling resources.  
     I was also reminded that we are to think globally but act locally.  The Ky Period Project has given out almost 4000 products to women in need since the middle of December 2016.  I am proud of this number and the people who have come together to make this happen.  I  keep getting unexpected donations both big and small from all sorts of places and want everyone to know that their generosity has directly affected women and girls in a very personal way.  Our goals and outreach are growing every month and we need your continual help whether big or small!