LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- After a record number of people across the country died because of the heat last year, some people in Louisville are trying to make a difference.
Residents in several Louisville Metro districts received free air conditioners Wednesday.
The Association of Community Ministries partnered with Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe (D-21) to distribute 75 portable air conditioning units to pre-qualified low-income residents in districts 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 15 and 21.
Applicants must live in one of those districts, have an income level at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, have no access to a functional air conditioning unit in their home and must have a window that opens for venting, a grounded outlet and the ability to pick up the unit.
Heat-related deaths reached an all time high in 2023, with 2,300 people losing their lives according to the Centers for Disease Control.
That's the highest number of deaths in 45 years, and it's why organizers say it's important to help.
"Hearing their stories I'm very concerned for people's health and wellbeing and I know that this is such a small drop," Linette Lowe, Association of Community Ministries president said. "It feels really great to be able to do this, but it's also really hard knowing that it isn't enough and we need to do more."
Organizers hope to continue this effort in the future. If you think you qualify for an air conditioner, contact ACM.
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