Medical Respite Program Gives Patient Hope
Since 2017, Bluegrass Care Navigators’ (BCN) Medical Respite Program, in partnership with the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG), has offered short-term, medical hotel stays to hundreds of Lexingtonians experiencing homelessness. When Mistey Cobb entered this program in November of 2023, she not only received the medical care she needed, but also had access to resources that provided permanent housing and the hope of a more stable, brighter future.
“We wouldn’t have made it through last winter without BCN,” Mistey said. “BCN let me know that there’s someone who cared about me besides just us. When you’re going through that many surgeries, and someone is coming to check on you and urging you to take care of yourself, it makes you want to care for yourself more.”
When Mistey entered BCN’s care, she and her life partner had just been evicted. She also had a serious infection and needed several surgeries. Because our medical respite program offered a safe place to recover, she was able to undergo the medical procedures and receive the
post-operative care she needed. BCN’s team of nurses and social workers addressed her health needs and connected her to the appropriate resources.
As a result of the care and support she received, Mistey was able to secure permanent housing, along with necessary medical equipment and disability insurance that allowed her to remain in her home and community.
BCN’s medical and winter respite programs provide a range of essential, patient-centered services within Fayette County, offering short-term lodging in a hotel and transitional support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Services include discharge planning, arranging post-acute care, transportation assistance, food provision, medication reconciliation, and care coordination to facilitate discharge to a safe setting.
This program was made possible thanks to support from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government through federal award numbers SLFRP0292/SLFRP3418 granted to LFUCG by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Why Volunteer at Bluegrass Care
Susanne Johnson Receives 2024 Volunteer President’s Award
do something useful to help ease another person’s burden in some small way. I have been fortunate in my own life, and I try to never take that
—Lindsay Mattox Pikeville, KY
“The joy of completing a memory pillow or bear is truly remarkable. At first, I hesitated, thinking it would be too sad, but after creating my first memory item, I realized the satisfaction of bringing comfort to grieving families. Sewing with purpose is why I volunteer.”
—Deidra West Barbourville, KY
In the realm of hospice care, where empathy and kindness reign supreme, individuals like volunteer Susanne Johnson shine brightly. Her unwavering commitment to Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) has not only transformed the lives of countless patients and their families but has also earned her the prestigious 2024 Volunteer President’s Award.
Susanne’s journey with BCN began in May 2023. After experiencing the support and the deep value hospice provided to her parents, Susanne felt a calling to give back. As a new volunteer, she adopted a nursing home, Bourbon Heights, where she pledged weekly visits to all hospice patients. Despite encountering a particularly grumpy patient known for pushing people away, Susanne remained steadfast. With patience and empathy, she gradually broke through his tough exterior, forging a bond over shared interests, particularly horses. Susanne’s persistence and compassion provided him with a friend who refused to give up on him, especially during his declining health.
She also started providing respite care to a dementia patient so that the patient’s caregiver could take a break, grocery shop, or attend personal appointments. Although the diagnosis mirrored her mother’s, Susanne embraced the opportunity to offer solace and support. Her empathetic presence not only comforted the patient but also served as a lifeline for the caregiver, since Susanne could empathize from her own experiences.
Join us in congratulating Susanne Johnson as the recipient of the 2024 Volunteer President’s Award. We appreciate the way she and all our volunteers embody the spirit of selflessness and empathy that defines BCN’s mission. Her journey exemplifies the profound impact one individual can make through acts of kindness and unwavering dedication to serving others in their time of need.
If you are interested in finding out how to volunteer with Bluegrass Care Navigators, visit our website at bgcarenav.org/volunteer
Thank you to @orbiscorp96 in Georgetown, a Menasha subsidiary that is a leader in sustainable packaging and supply chain solutions, for supporting the mission of Bluegrass Care Navigators. Ron Namowicz stopped by our Lexington headquarters for a check presentation and a heartfelt thank you. We are proud to partner with ORBIS to provide compassionate care to families in Scott County. Our shared values of teamwork, innovation, compassion and excellence ensure hospice families have the care they need at the right time.
Bluegrass Care Navigators and Red Bird Mission worked together to provide meals to food insecure seniors in the community. Together, the team assembled nearly 200 boxes of food and educated the community about the ways Bluegrass Care Navigators provides the right care at the right time through hospice, palliative care, grief care and integrative medicine.
Throughout the year our friends and supporters offer a variety of ways to get involved in the community. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up with all BCN news and events .
We are grateful to the Owen County Friends of Hospice for their unwavering and generous support at their 9th annual derby brunch! Big thanks to all who joined us in support of our patients and families. You all looked stunning in your hats! #TeamBCN #CommunitySupport #CaringCommunity
Thanks to @savealotfoodstores in Hazard for their incredible generosity throughout the year! They recently donated a $500 Save-A-Lot gift card to help us to continue to provide comfort and dignity to patients and families navigating the end-of-life journey! Their support during the 29th annual Save-A-Lot Race Against Hunger Food Drive also raised 7,000+ pounds of food for our patients and families at the Greg and Noreen Wells Bluegrass Hospice Care Center. Together, we’re making a difference in our community!
Bluegrass PACE Care Featured in Council Comment
Our President and CEO, Liz Fowler, sat down with City of Lexington, Ky - Government (LFUCG) Councilmember Liz Sheehan, 5th District Councilmember to talk about Bluegrass PACE Care and how it helps seniors age in place in our community. Through grant funding provided by the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, Bluegrass PACE Care purchased a new van, added an enclosed outdoor patio, a wheelchair ramp, raised beds for gardening, an ultrasound machine and more. Scan the QR code to watch the video for more information on how Bluegrass PACE Care offers compassionate care in our community!
Donor Leaves Legacy of Support and Kindness
To learn more about beneficiary designations and explore various options for planned giving, visit our complimentary planned giving website plannedgiving.bgcarenav.org
Fifteen years ago, Teresa Lynch’s husband Geoff was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As his principal caregiver, she was determined to provide him with the best possible care. When the treatments were no longer effective, she called Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN). From that moment, Geoff and Teresa received immediate, compassionate support that made a profound difference in their lives. After Geoff passed, BCN offered Teresa a year of regular grief counseling sessions that helped her navigate her loss. Over the years, Teresa witnessed BCN’s continuous growth and the addition of numerous new programs, further cementing her appreciation for the organization.
To show her gratitude, Teresa decided to make a lasting impact by naming BCN as a beneficiary in her estate plans.
“I know how much good Bluegrass Care Navigators does for the community. Supporting BCN is just my way of being able to say thank you!” Teresa said.
By leaving a legacy gift to Bluegrass Care Navigators, you can also make a meaningful difference in your community. Your gift will help continue the mission of providing compassionate care to those in need, creating a legacy of support and kindness.
Bluegrass Care Navigators Receives Grant from Disabled Veterans National Foundation
BCN was recently awarded a grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) for $18,000 which will fund integrative medicine services, such as art, music, massage therapy to veterans in hospice and palliative care, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. These funds will allow us to continue to utilize the most effective tools and interventions for our veteran patients.
Yellin’ Helen Bowl-A-Thon Raises Funds to Honor Patient
The 2024 Yellin’ Helen Strike Out Cancer Bowl-A-Thon raised over $6,000 to benefit BCN patients and families. This annual event honors the life and fight of Helen Wichmann, who passed away in 2007 from cancer. Bluegrass Hospice Care allowed her to spend her final days at home, pain free and surrounded by family and friends. Through this bowling tournament and fundraiser for BCN, the Wichmann family found a way to honor Helen’s legacy by helping others facing the loss of a loved one. Since its inception, this annual benefit has raised over $130,000 to provide expert, compassionate care to hundreds of patients and families.
2023 Annual Report Released
We recently released our 2023 annual report that highlights the dedication of our team members and the unwavering support of our community! This past year was one of growth, innovation and continued excellence in providing compassionate care to those in need. We couldn’t have done it without you! If you haven’t already, visit bgcarenav.org/explore-bcn or scan the QR code
Thank you to Mark and Jennifer Meade in Jessamine County, for opening their home to friends and neighbors to learn more about Bluegrass Care Navigators and the variety of services we provide to our patients and the community. A great time was had by all, and we are always grateful to share the impact that our care can have through the support of our donors!
Hospice Honors Award 2024
Bluegrass Care Navigators is once again pleased to be chosen for the Hospice Honors Award 2024 that symbolizes our commitment to go above and beyond to provide quality care for our patients and their caregivers.
Scan the QR code to view the ceremony remembering those we have lost, held at Bluegrass Care Navigators headquarters in Lexington, Ky. on July 9, 2024.
BCN Remembers with You
On July 9, Team BCN gathered for a special time of remembrance to honor those we have loved and lost in our communities. Each month, BCN’s regional offices hold ceremonies to remember every life that has completed its journey with us. Over the past few months, we invited all our donors and friends to send in memory cards with the names of their loved ones to be honored.
Our chaplains led us through a special ceremony where each name was read aloud, and a bead symbolizing each person’s life was collected in a vase. Our chaplains also played the calming sounds of singing bowls as a meditation to help quiet our minds and restore harmony to our souls. We concluded this time of remembrance with a benediction, collectively honoring the names and memories shared by our community and reinforcing our commitment to remembering and celebrating the lives of those we have served.
“Our team at BCN deeply honors the lives of those we’ve cared for and those we have lost in our communities,” Dave Carper, Counseling Resource Officer, said. “Throughout the year, we hold ceremonies to remember and celebrate them, reading each name aloud and pausing for a time of remembrance. This tradition keeps their spirit alive in our hearts and our communities.”
Share Your Story
We love to hear how our services have touched your family’s life. Please take a quick moment to tell us how our staff, our services or our support has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love.
We value your support. We send communications to our donors regularly throughout the year because we want to keep you well informed about our work. Every donor is different, and we cannot predict when the right time is for you to give and do not expect you to respond to every request. However, please continue to read our updates and respond with your donation at the best time for you. Thank you.
Celebrating Radio Days with Thanks to Community Partners, Forcht Group and Community Trust Bank
We extend our deepest gratitude to our listeners, donors, radio stations, and community partners in the Barbourville, Pikeville and Hazard regions for their support during this year’s BCN Radio Days. Special thanks goes to our Challenge Sponsors, Forcht Group and Community Trust Bank, Inc. for their generosity in London and Prestonsburg, respectively. We couldn’t raise awareness or donations without the help from our radio station hosts Q95 FM Prestonsburg, 96.7 FM WANV London, and 101.1 WSGS Hazard. Your support has made another successful BCN Radio Day season possible, benefiting our patients and families immensely! Thank you!
LGBTQ+ Healthfair Provides Accessible
Health Resources to Community
As part of our dedication to a more inclusive healthcare environment and increased access to healthcare services for marginalized communities, BCN was proud to host the first annual Kentucky LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Fair, organized by community member Shannon Ashley. This event attracted participants from across Kentucky and beyond, showcasing the need for accessible health resources within the LGBTQ+ community.
The fair featured over 40 vendors, 12 educational classes, name change clinics, and an inspiring keynote address. Health-related vendors provided essential services, including free, rapid HIV testing and preventative resources.
The fair highlights BCN’s commitment to equality and providing compassionate, holistic and inclusive healthcare every day of the year. The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of several local businesses, and BCN was honored to serve as the host location for the fair’s vibrant and supportive atmosphere.
Did you know that anyone can make a referral for any of our services?
Individuals can be referred by themselves, family, friends or physicians for any of our services. One call to our support center connects you with both long and short-term hospice care, palliative care, transitional care, home health, PACE (Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), and grief counseling services. For more information on services available by county, visit bgcarenav.org or to make a referral, call 855.492.0812
Support Camp Hope and Help Children Navigate Their Grief
If you’re looking for ways to support a child who has recently lost a loved one, consider donating to Camp Hope on our website bgcarenav.org/camp-hope-support. Your generosity allows children ages 6-17 and their caregivers who have faced a recent loss to attend a free, one day camp. Held in both Southeast and Central Kentucky, Camp Hope provides a fun, safe and supportive environment where children can express their grief and develop coping strategies. It also offers adults the resources and community needed to help their children navigate these challenging emotions.
Southeast Kentucky September 21, 2024
Central Kentucky October 5, 2024
If you know a child who could benefit from Camp Hope, visit bgcarenav.org/camp-hope