Saint Joseph London Awards $41,000 Grant to KCEOC for Knox County School Fitness Program

Saint Joseph London has awarded a $41,000 grant to KCEOC Community Action Partnership Inc. to supplement physical education programs in Knox County Public Schools, the hospital announced Monday.
The funding will be used to provide educational materials and equipment aimed at improving overall student fitness and will support Family Fitness Nights designed to strengthen healthy habits at home for students and their families. The grant runs through March 2027.
Knox County Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Ledford welcomed the investment.
“Data continue to show how important good health choices are as a child that last into adulthood,” Ledford said. “We appreciate the spirit Saint Joseph Health embodies, as it helps make Knox County a healthier community.”
The KCEOC grant is part of $138,500 Saint Joseph London awarded to local nonprofits, and part of $558,200 distributed statewide by Saint Joseph Health through the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program.
The grant program was open to nonprofit organizations addressing substance use disorders, mental health, weight status, physical activity and nutrition — priorities identified through Saint Joseph Health’s most recent community health needs assessment, which is conducted every three years.
“At Saint Joseph Health, we are committed to a healthier future for all,” said John Yanes, president of Saint Joseph London. “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.”
Saint Joseph London is a 150-bed hospital located in London. Established in 1926, it serves patients from Clay, Laurel, Jackson, Whitley, Knox and Pulaski counties and is part of the CommonSpirit Health system.