BCN Expands Community Grief Care and Integrative Medicine with Grant

February 12, 2025

Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have awarded Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) $50,000 to support grief services and integrative medicine programs. This funding will help BCN provide essential care to more than 1,000 diverse individuals across Lexington, Frankfort, and Cynthiana and address significant health challenges in 2025. 

Our Community Grief Services include individual and group counseling, Camp Hope for children and adults, and crisis response. With this grant, we anticipate being able to serve more than 800 individuals through community grief counseling. 


Our Integrative Medicine offerings—music, art, massage therapy, and mindfulness—expand to be able to support approximately 300 patients with 800 visits, enhancing physical and mental health. By integrating evidence-based practices, BCN anticipates improvements in patient outcomes such as reduced anxiety and enhanced emotional expression. 


"We are deeply grateful for this funding that will help ensure that our patients and their families in Central Kentucky continue to receive holistic, patient-centered care through integrative medicine therapies, such as art, music and massage therapy, and that anyone in need can continue to access our community-based grief care services. Together, we are creating a meaningful impact in the community and improving the mental health and well-being of those we serve,” said Liz Fowler, president and CEO of BCN. 


BCN was one of eight local nonprofit organizations selected to receive grant funding to improve well-being and health equity within the Lexington area.  


“At CHI Saint Joseph Health, we are committed to a healthier future for all and addressing the unique needs of our neighbors,” said Matt Grimshaw, MBA, market president, CHI Saint Joseph Health. “Our mission calls out a special focus on serving the vulnerable, and the work of these eight incredible nonprofit organizations in Lexington is essential in advancing well-being and health equity across the area. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create a brighter, healthier future for all.”   


This opportunity was part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program. CHI Saint Joseph Health, Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph Hospital are part of CommonSpirit Health, which was created in 2019 when Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health came together to create a national health system. 


February 5, 2025
For almost 20 years, Paige Prewitt has embodied the spirit of selfless giving as a volunteer with Bluegrass Care Navigators. From therapy dog visits with Lilly to sewing masks during the pandemic, Paige has consistently found ways to meet others’ needs and give back to her community. Recently, she volunteered her time to handcraft 28 stoles to honor and celebrate our chaplains at Bluegrass Care Navigators.
February 5, 2025
Ron Reaguer has devoted his life to helping others, but in 2016, the tables turned when his wife, Joyce, suffered the first of three falls that left him needing help to care for her.
Image of Dr. Martin Luther King Statue
January 10, 2025
Health equity at Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) is more than just a concept—it’s our commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to achieve their best possible health. This commitment means actively addressing systemic barriers such as discrimination, unequal resource distribution, and limited access to quality care. By embracing tailored approaches that address each person’s unique needs, BCN strives to create fair opportunities and equitable outcomes for all.
December 12, 2024
Shelby Valley High School senior Mahala Honaker discovered the hope found in hospice care through her involvement with Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). After attending a presentation at her high school with the Pikeville Volunteer and Community Liaison, Mahala and her peers recognized an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of hospice services in their community and felt a strong calling to care for those in need.
December 10, 2024
When it comes to care that truly matters, November's National Hospice and Palliative Care Month shines a light on the difference Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) makes every day. In an exclusive interview with WKYT, Liz Fowler, President and CEO of BCN, shares how this organization, founded over 45 years ago by compassionate volunteers, continues to honor its roots while embracing innovative ways to provide comfort and dignity. Watch the video below to discover why their mission matters and how it could touch your life or the lives of those you love.
December 5, 2024
Alice, a young bereavement client, experienced profound loss at a very early age. Alice herself had been diagnosed with leukemia at just 2 1/12 years old and underwent more than two years of treatment before her cancer went into remission. Then, at the age of 10, Alice’s mother passed away under the compassionate care of Bluegrass Hospice Care after her own prolonged battle with cancer.
November 26, 2024
Vicky Schriml volunteers at the 11 th hour because she believes that no patient should pass alone. In this role, Vicky offers comforting companionship to patients in our Lexington region who are in their final moments, providing additional support to the patient and family.
November 26, 2024
Jill Conway serves as an 11 th hour volunteer to give back to her community. In this role, Jill offers comforting companionship to patients in their final moments, especially those without family nearby.
November 26, 2024
Connie Miller began volunteering with Bluegrass Care Navigators in the Frankfort region just over a year ago while completing her certification as an end-of-life doula. Initially seeking volunteer hours, Connie quickly realized that this work was her calling and decided to continue volunteering long-term.
November 26, 2024
After serving as a chaplain in the Cynthiana region at Bluegrass Care Navigators for 13 years, Rick Snyder chose to become an 11 th hour volunteer in retirement. In this role, Rick gives back to his community by offering comfort to patients in their final moments, especially those without family nearby.
More Posts
Share by: