LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department activated its Winter Care program after the ice storm came through the Bluegrass state Wednesday night. 

Kathy Witt, the Fayette County Sheriff says after the number of calls they received for assistance, they decided to put their Winter Care resources back into action.

“Cancer patients don't get a snow day, cancer doesn't stop. surgeries don't stop, they don't get snow days. So we want to make sure that those who need health care services are able to get them, and those in skilled facilities are able to have the staff that they need there, even in the winter storm,” Witt said.

Anyone that may need help during this time getting to and from work in Fayette County in the health care industry, can call the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 859-252-1771 and ask for Winter Care.

“So this morning when we saw what had occurred throughout the night, we decided it was time to launch it again. Basically what we try to do is to get all of our health care workers, the broad spectrum of health care, everybody that it takes to make the hospital work to make the doctor's offices work. We want to get them to work if they can't get there by themselves and then to return them home safely,” Witt said.

In addition to the transportation, the program includes welfare checks, prescription pickups, and transportation to and from medical appointments. 

“So we've had a lot of calls this morning from out-of-town family members who want to check on their loved ones, whether they be seniors or other family members, and we have transported some seniors who are living alone and living independently but they lost their power. And so we've taken them to other relatives' homes or any place where they can go and feel safe and warm,” Witt said.

As of right Thursday afternoon, the Sheriff plans to continue these resources for Fayette County residents throughout the night.