American Heart Month: Why Learning Hands‑Only CPR Can Save a Life

February is also American Heart Month, a national reminder of the importance of heart health and emergency preparedness. This year, the American Heart Association is encouraging people of all ages to join its Nation of Lifesavers initiative by learning Hands‑Only CPR.

For adults and teens, Hands‑Only CPR can double or even triple the chance of survival when someone experiences cardiac arrest.

Two Simple Steps That Make a Difference

Hands‑Only CPR is easy to remember and does not require formal medical training:

• Step 1: Call 911 immediately if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse

• Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a pace of about 100 beats per minute (A helpful tip: keep rhythm with the song “Staying Alive.”)

Prepared Communities Save Lives

Emergencies don’t wait for the perfect moment, but preparation makes a difference. Learning Hands‑Only CPR is one way individuals, families, and communities can protect one another—at home, at work, or in public spaces.

At BGAAAIL, promoting healthy aging includes sharing tools that help people stay safe, informed, and ready to respond when it matters most.

Honoring Black History Month: Celebrating Kentucky Aviation Pioneer Willa Brown Chappell

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the achievements, leadership, and lasting contributions of African Americans throughout history. This year, the Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living is proud to highlight an influential Kentuckian whose story continues to inspire generations:

Willa Brown Chappell.

Born in Glasgow, Kentucky in 1906, Willa Brown Chappell became the first African American woman in the United States to earn a pilot’s license and the first African American to join the Civil Air Patrol. At a time when both racial and gender barriers limited opportunity, she pushed forward—not just for herself, but for others who would follow.

A Legacy of Education and Service

Willa Brown Chappell co‑founded the National Airmen Association of America, which trained more than 200 pilots. Many of these pilots later became part of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, whose service helped transform the U.S. military and advance civil rights.

Along with her husband, Cornelius Coffey, she also helped establish the first flight school for African Americans, opening doors that had long been closed.

Learning More About Kentucky’s Black History

Her story reminds us that history is built by people who challenge limits, invest in others, and believe in community. To learn more about influential African American Kentuckians, visit the Notable Kentucky African Americans Database housed at the University of Kentucky Libraries.

At BGAAAIL, honoring history is part of strengthening communities today—especially for older adults whose experiences and contributions shape where we are now and where we’re going next.

LIHEAP Winter Crisis Assistance: Help for Heating Emergencies Through March 27

Winter can bring more than cold temperatures—it can also bring serious financial strain for households struggling with heating costs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Winter Crisis is currently open to help eligible households facing heating emergencies.

What the LIHEAP Winter Crisis Program Covers

This program assists households experiencing:

• Imminent loss of heat

• Low fuel supply

• Eviction due to unpaid utility bills

Enrollment is open through March 27, 2026, and applications are accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Benefits are paid directly to the energy vendor and may cover:

• Electric

• Natural gas

• Propane

• Coal

• Wood

• Fuel oil

Who Can Apply and Where

Eligible households must meet income guidelines of 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Residents in the Bluegrass region can apply through their local Community Action Agency, including:

• Community Action Council (Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison, Nicholas counties)

• Bluegrass Community Action Partnership (Anderson, Boyle, Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Mercer, Scott, Woodford counties)

• Kentucky River Foothills Development Council (Clark, Estill, Madison, Powell counties)

If you or someone you know is struggling to stay warm this winter, we encourage reaching out as soon as possible. Programs like LIHEAP exist to help families remain safe and secure during the coldest months of the year.