After severe storms carved a path of destruction across the center of the United States May 16 and May 17, Americares responded with shipments of medicine and medical supplies to help meet the urgent health needs of survivors.

Severe weather swept through multiple states with tornadoes reported in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. Golf-ball size hail was reported in Arkansas, Kentucky and Indiana, according to the National Weather Service.  

In Kentucky alone, Gov. Andy Beshear reported 19 people lost their lives in the storms. In St. Louis, Mo., where a tornado left five people dead and 38 injured, Mayor Cara Spencer estimated about 5,000 buildings are impacted.  

Americares shipments included hygiene kits, medical supplies, infant formula, medicine and other relief supplies requested by local organizations on the frontlines of this disaster.