Standing Together Kentucky People’s Union Offers Free Medic Training

Standing Together

Kentucky People’s Union Offers Free Medic Training

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

There is nothing better than when you are at your lowest and a friendly face offers a helping hand. In those dark times, a warm smile, or even a willingness to listen to you, is what makes the difference. The Kentucky People’s Union aims to do just that: offer a helping hand and a friendly face to our citizens when they need us the most.

Based out of Ashland, Kentucky, and proud of the resilient and community-oriented town we have crafted, the Kentucky People’s Union works to fight for justice, safe and affordable housing, and dignified lives for everyone in Appalachia. Founded in 2022 after Beth Howard wanted to find a way to help the people of Appalachia on a community level, the Kentucky People’s Union has since launched a Tenant’s Bill of Rights campaign, community classes, and even a community garden.

Their community garden, based on Stabb Street in Ashland, is currently growing flowers for pollinators and fresh produce for people in the community. In the future, the group hopes to expand the garden and table at events in order to help give the community fresh produce like pumpkins, carrots, tomatoes, and strawberries.

Amelia Black has been involved with the Kentucky People’s Union since meeting them at Ashland Pride in 2022. Black was drawn to the group’s plan for change, working hard to create campaigns that will directly impact and improve the housing situations and day-to-day lives of Ashland citizens. Since then, Black has been involved in volunteering, gardening, and connecting with people throughout the community.

“We are all about informing our community as much as possible on everything,” detailed Black concerning one of the group’s newest events, a medic training.

On Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Kentucky People’s Union medic training class will offer, free of charge, first aid, American Red Cross CPR training, and AED training for adults and pediatrics.

“It's important because people should have access to life saving care, in case something around them happens, in case something in their community happens. We're not always going to have direct access to what we need, but if we can help inform people so they can know first aid or CPR, then if something important comes up, they can take care of themselves and stabilize and triage until they can move forward and get the proper care that they need,” explained Black.

The Kentucky People’s Union is all about being that helping hand we need, working to create a better and happier experience for our community. In the future, they hope to continue to offer free classes, open mics, and events to help inform and better our community.

“I think people should know that no matter who they are [or] where they come from they are more than welcome to come to this training, even if they've never heard of us. We would love to see their face[s],” commented Black.

For more information about the Kentucky People’s Union, or to join one of their committees, you can attend one of their monthly meetings or reach out to them on their Facebook or Instagram page.