Bourbon Community Hospital Names 2025 Mercy Award Winner

Paris, KY (May 23, 2025) – Bourbon Community Hospital is proud to announce Karen May as its 2025 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award is the highest honor awarded each year across Lifepoint Health, recognizing one employee from each facility who goes above and beyond to serve others and embody the spirit of compassion and selfless giving.

Karen May is known throughout the hospital and the community as someone who gives from the heart—always ready to support her colleagues, uplift patients and make a difference wherever she goes. At work, Karen is the first to step in wherever needed, ensuring patients receive the highest quality care across departments. Her presence is a source of joy and strength for her team, and her dedication does not stop at the hospital doors.

Outside of work, Karen’s generosity shines just as brightly. She and her sewing circle handmake quilts for children in foster care—gifts crafted with love to provide comfort during uncertain times. She partners with local organizations to ensure these same children receive birthday cakes and presents, bringing joy to milestones that might otherwise be overlooked. Most recently, she worked with another nonprofit to provide beds for families in need—coordinating deliveries and even transporting the beds herself with the help of her husband.

Karen has also been instrumental in disaster relief efforts across Kentucky. Following devastating floods, she collected and delivered critical supplies, helped organize book drives for students and worked to restore a sense of normalcy to families in hard-hit areas. As colder months approach, Karen is known to collect coats for donation to Eastern Kentucky, and during the holidays, she purchases for multiple children and families to celebrate Christmas.

Her care doesn’t stop with people—Karen is also passionate about animal rescue. She fosters animals, donates time and money at rescue auctions, and even transports animals between shelters to give them their best chance at finding a forever home.

“Karen is someone who truly leads by example. She inspires everyone around her to give a little more and love a little deeper,” said Tommy Haggard, chief executive officer of Bourbon Community Hospital. “We are honored to celebrate her as our Mercy Award winner and are incredibly grateful for the many ways she makes a difference here and in our community.”

Each year, the Mercy Award honors the life and legacy of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint Health’s founding chairman and CEO. The award is a reflection of his commitment to people, purpose and service, and Karen May is a living example of those values in action.