Bluegrass Care Navigators Receives Grant from Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels

June 20, 2024

Bluegrass Care Navigators is proud to announce that we have received a generous grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) to purchase four portable oxygen concentrators. These essential medical supplies will bring comfort and ease to our hospice patients, allowing them to cherish life’s special moments with their loved ones while in our care. 

“On behalf of our organization, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels for their unwavering support and dedication,” Laura Klumb, Vice President of Philanthropy and Marketing, said. “Your generosity profoundly enhances the quality of life for our patients. Thank you for being steadfast partners in our mission to provide exceptional care." 

HOKC awarded $2.5 million in grants, supporting 325 non-profits and impacting more than 3.9 million Kentuckians.  Grants are made possible through donations from Kentucky Colonels from throughout the Commonwealth and around the world who chose to exercise the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel in a meaningful way. 

 

According to Commanding General Gary Boschert: “2023 / 2024 was a challenging year for fulfilling Grant Requests, with over $5 million in total requests. We were able to distribute $2.5 million through the Good Works Program that each of you generously supports. Every dollar you contribute to the Good Works Program goes out to nonprofits in the Commonwealth. Thank you for your support!” 

 

About Bluegrass Care Navigators 

Established in 1978, Bluegrass Care Navigators is a nationally recognized, leading nonprofit provider of expert care for the frail and elderly in 32 counties across northern, central, and eastern Kentucky. Our compassionate team of over 700 employees and 300 volunteers supports more than 16,000 patients annually with transitional care, home health, PACE (the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), palliative care, integrative medicine, hospice care, and grief counseling services. For more information on Bluegrass Care Navigators' services, visit bgcarenav.org or call 855.492.0812. 


About the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels  

The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a 501(c) (3) entity dedicated to supporting charitable activities throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees. The “Kentucky Colonel” commission is an honorary title granted by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Since 1951, the organization has pursued its mission through annual grants totaling $68 million to more than 1,700 nonprofits. Of those Colonels’ contributions, each grant is thoroughly vetted by the trustees and staff. Though the corporate name is The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, most know it by its long-term trademark, KENTUCKY COLONELS. Visit kycolonels.org to learn more. 

Stock photo of woman celebrating

Bluegrass Care Navigators Helped Mary Choose Her Own Ending

By by Dee Bowling, MSN, APRN, Advanced Practice Provider • September 29, 2026
The one thing you need to know about our palliative patient Mary is that she sees life as a choose-your-own-adventure book.
Mollie poses with Bird Calls.

How Healing Transforms a Community

September 28, 2026
When Mollie Rabiner's parents became seriously ill, she found herself facing one of life's most difficult seasons.

Integrative Medicine Helps Patient One Day at a Time

By Emma Powers, Music Therapist • September 14, 2026
I recently had the opportunity to work with a patient who was struggling with depression and grief as his illness progressed. As he lost abilities and became more homebound, the hospice team knew he could benefit from additional emotional support. However, he had repeatedly declined visits from the chaplain and social worker.
Massage therapy helps patients feel less alone.

More Than Massage: The Power of Human Connection

By Jeff Zutaut, Massage Therapist • September 14, 2026
Over the years, I've seen how massage therapy can help ease physical discomfort, anxiety, and stress for hospice patients. But one of its most meaningful benefits is something less visible: helping patients feel less alone.
Massage therapy with Bluegrass Care Navigators helped lessen a patients anxiety.

Calming the Nervous System Through Integrative Care

By Jeff Zutaut, Massage Therapist • September 14, 2026
A patient living with Parkinson's disease and advanced prostate cancer was recently referred to our Integrative Medicine team. While his wife was a strong supporter of hospice care, she wasn't aware that Bluegrass Care Navigators also offers integrative medicine therapies such as massage, that complement the medical care for the nursing team.
An adult coloring in a coloring book.

Creativity, Connection, and Compassion: Growing Our Art Companion Program

By Whitney Clay, Integrative Medicine Program Coordinator • September 14, 2026
At Bluegrass Care Navigators, our Integrative Medicine and Volunteer teams have been working together to create new opportunities for meaningful patient connections through art and music. This year, we launched a program that trains volunteers to incorporate creative activities into companionship visits with patients.
Seniors music activity

Bluegrass PACE Care Celebrates National PACE Month with 200+ Participants in Central Kentucky

September 11, 2026
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) empowers seniors to remain independent at home with comprehensive support.
Grieving man sitting in chair with his hands folded and near his chin

How Long Will My Grief Last?

September 2, 2026
After a loss, many people ask the universal question: “How long will my grief last?” This is especially true for a first loss. Some people ask for ways to hurry through the grieving process, but there is no shortcut. It is difficult to accept that one has little control, but with grief work, the sense of loss can slowly improve.
The Wilkins family with BCN Home Modfication Occupational Therapist.

More Than Handrails: How Home Modifications Changed One Family's Life

September 1, 2026
For the Wilkins family, peace of mind came in the form of a handrail.

New Grants Expands Transportation Services for Older Adults in Bluegrass PACE Care

July 24, 2026
Bluegrass Care Navigators has received grant funding from Truist Foundation and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) to purchase an additional transportation van for Bluegrass PACE participants in Fayette County. The new van will expand Bluegrass PACE Care’s existing transportation fleet, helping meet growing demand and ensuring participants can reliably access the care and services they need.