By Bernheim
Flaget Memorial Hospital Awards $58,500 in Grants to Local Nonprofits
CommonSpirit Community Health Improvement Grants fund local organizations for third year
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (March 9, 2026) – Flaget Memorial Hospital today awarded $58,500 in grant funding to three local nonprofit organizations to improve the well-being and health equity in the Bardstown area. The grant recipients are the UP Foundation, the Isaac W. Bernheim Foundation and the Loretto Living Center at Loretto Motherhouse, Inc.
“At Saint Joseph Health, we are committed to a healthier future for all and to addressing the unique needs of our neighbors,” said Jennifer Nolan, president, Flaget Memorial Hospital. “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. These partnerships highlight the commitment of Saint Joseph Health and CommonSpirit to improving the communities we serve.”
The grant funding will be used for the projects through March 2027. Here is what the recipients said about the grants.
The UP Foundation received $19,500 to support the “Thrive 360,” an initiative to educate students and families about wellness activities, nutrition knowledge and engaging exercises.
“The UP Foundation is privileged to receive funding through the CommonSpirit Community Health Improvement Grants program,” said Laura Arnold, director of workforce development. “Building on Flaget Memorial Hospital’s enduring partnership with Nelson County Schools, we remain dedicated to enhancing educational experiences and empowering students to thrive in work and life. Additional funding support through grants and partnerships enhance these types of experiences for our students and families.”
Isaac W. Bernheim Foundation, received $19,500 to support its immersive nature-based field trips for students in Nelson County, which provide nutrition education, physical activity and support mental well-being.
“Bernheim Forest is proud to be a recipient of a Common Spirit Community Health Improvement Grant from Flaget Hospital. With this support over 800 students will benefit from the health benefits of time in nature and experience programs ranging from growing wonderful vegetables, to discovering how water is purified by forests,” said Dr. Mark K. Wourms, president and chief executive officer. “Flaget and Bernheim are working together to ensure Nelson and Bullitt Counties grow healthy and inspired children!”
Loretto Living Center at Loretto Motherhouse, Inc., which provides holistic care, security and dignity for seniors and individuals with disabilities, received $19,500 for programming in their revitalized courtyard space, now accessible for all residents.
“The Loretto Living Center is honored to partner with Flaget Hospital and the CommonSpirit Community Health program. The Comfort in the Courtyard project will improve accessibility to our courtyard space, creating opportunities for our seniors with outdoor programming and engagement,” said Michelle Essex, administrator.
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 20 counties, 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 Flaget Memorial Hospital
Flaget Memorial Hospital, part of Saint Joseph Health, is a 52-bed facility located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Established in 1951 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the facility serves residents of Nelson, Hardin, Marion, Washington, Spencer, Bullitt and LaRue counties. The facility is also home to Nelson County’s first full-service cancer center and is nationally recognized for orthopedic and surgical care, as well as inpatient satisfaction.
About CommonSpirit Health
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 138 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 160,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $5 billion annually in charity care, community benefits, and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
Press Release from CHI Saint Joseph Health on March 9, 2026.
