This article is brought to you by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union. New year, new rate, new ride. Solidarity’s reduced auto loan rates are here, and they’re built to help you save. Whether you’re shopping for something new or looking to refinance, we’ve got fast local approvals and terms that fit your life.
Let us help you start the year in the driver’s seat.
#AutoLoanSavings #NewYearNewRate #DriveWithSolidarity #RefinanceAndSave
CrisisReady Howard County is making a grassroots difference in the community’s readiness for disasters. In 2025, this free program hosted more than 500 attendees and focused on teaching simple skills individuals can follow to be ready for a variety of emergencies, both big and small.
Each month, a different preparedness topic was covered with events held in Greentown, Kokomo, and Russiaville to increase access. Topics included how to make an emergency kit, creating communication plans, staying safe in hot and cold weather, and planning strategies for specialized needs. Attendees reported that the information was easy to understand and highlighted that being prepared does not have to be hard or expensive.
A core component of CrisisReady is teaching basic first aid skills so anyone can “Be the Help Until Help Arrives.” During 2025, 226 training touchpoints were facilitated, encompassing CPR, Stop the Bleed, QPR Suicide Prevention, and how to administer Narcan and Epi-Pen Autoinjectors. Many attendees said the training helped them feel more confident and prepared to help others in an emergency.
CrisisReady’s approach inspired many attendees to take preparedness actions at home, with 42 percent reporting that they took three or four actions and 21 percent reporting they took five to eight actions. Some shared the actions they took, which included making go-bags, installing smoke detectors, planning escape routes, or sharing emergency plans with loved ones. Others gathered important documents, packed blankets in their cars, or set meeting places for their families. These may seem like simple steps, but they can make a big difference during a crisis.
Although spearheaded by the Howard County Health Department, CrisisReady Howard County’s impact was made possible only through the collaborative effort of many community partners: 4C Health, Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo, American Red Cross, Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation, Duke Energy, Greentown Volunteer Fire Department, Greentown Wesleyan Church, Howard County EMA, Howard County Family Service Association, J. Conrad (Connie) Maugans, Kokomo Fire Department, Kokomo Housing Authority, Kokomo Howard County Public Library, Krystal Ruble - State Farm Insurance, Purdue Extension Office, and the Russiaville Lions Club. Together, they provided free training, supplies, event planning and preparation, space to meet, and support to help attendees prepare.
The initiative will continue in 2026, although in a different format. A presentation is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library - South Branch, 1755 E. Center Road. A second presentation will follow in September. Current plans include offering first aid skills training during First Friday celebrations.
By sharing clear, simple emergency preparedness information, CrisisReady Howard County is building a stronger, safer community—one person at a time. For questions or to be notified directly about future events, please contact Kristina Sommers, REHS, at the Howard County Health Department at 765-456-2405.