Saint Joseph London Awards $138,500 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

LONDON, Ky. (March 16, 2026) – Saint Joseph London has awarded $138,500 in grant funding to two local nonprofit organizations to improve the well-being and health equity of the London area. The grant recipients are KCEOC Community Action Partnership, Inc., and Hospice of the Bluegrass, Inc.

“At Saint Joseph Health, we are committed to a healthier future for all and addressing the unique needs of our neighbors,” said John Yanes, President, Saint Joseph London. “As a member of CommonSpirit Health, we seek to continuously advance the common good. Our mission calls out a special focus on serving the vulnerable, and the work of these incredible organizations is essential in advancing well-being and health equity across the area. Together, through these partnerships and Saint Joseph Health’s commitment, we can make a meaningful impact and create a brighter, healthier future for all.”

The grant funding will be used for the projects through March 2027. Here is what the recipients said about the grants.

KCEOC Community Action Partnership Inc. received $41,000 to supplement physical education classes in Knox County Public Schools, providing educational materials and equipment to help improve the overall fitness of students.

“Our district is proud to be a recipient of the Community Health Improvement Grant, bringing a renewed emphasis on improving overall student fitness through education and resources. Data continue to show how important good health choices are as a child that last into adulthood,” said Jeremy Ledford, Knox County Public Schools Superintendent. “The Family Fitness Nights will strengthen healthy habits at home for students and their families across the Knox County Public Schools. We appreciate the spirit Saint Joseph Health embodies, as it helps make Knox County a healthier community. We are proud to have Saint Joseph and CommonSpirit as a collaborative partner on this grant and others that are making a positive impact in KCPS.”  

Hospice of the Bluegrass Inc., received $97,500 to help improve access to care for high-risk patients in Laurel, Jackson and Whitley counties by partnering with Bluegrass Transitional Care to provide up to 181 patients with a 30-day bundled plan of care, which includes hospital bedside enrollment, three in-home nurse visits and unlimited 24/7 phone support.

“This grant strengthens our ability to serve individuals and families across our community with the care, comfort and support they deserve,” said Liz Fowler, President of Bluegrass Care Navigators. “It reflects the power of partnership in ensuring no one has to face serious illness alone. This investment supports Bluegrass Care Navigators’ mission to deliver patient-centered care with excellence and compassion. We are thankful for this partnership and the opportunity to expand access to critical services for those who need them most.”

Across Kentucky, Saint Joseph Health awarded $558,200 through the grant program, which was open to nonprofit organizations that address the following priorities – substance use disorders, mental health and mental disorders, and weight status, physical activity and nutrition – through projects planned for the next calendar year. The priorities were identified in Saint Joseph Health’s most recent community health needs assessment, which is conducted every three years to help the hospitals and community partners identify and address priority health and social needs faced by residents and the region. 

This opportunity was part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program. Saint Joseph Health, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital and Continuing Care 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.

About Saint Joseph Health

Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 15 cities, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services to build a healthier future for all. Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph London

Saint Joseph London is a 150-bed full-service hospital located in London, KY. Established in 1926, the facility serves patients from southeastern Kentucky, including those from Clay, Laurel, Jackson, Whitley, Knox and Pulaski counties. The current $152 million regional hospital opened in 2010, and offers all private patient rooms, with most overlooking a small lake and garden on the 52-acre healing environment.