As the population gets older in the community and life experiences have changed over the last 30 years, the Baby Boomer generation is experiencing many types of heart ache.  Many people are depressed because of a loss of a loved one, loss of a job, there children have moved out, they have relatives that are incarcerated, they are raising grandchildren, there is addiction of a loved one or many other issues that have changed in their life.  

The Carroll County Extension Service FCS program partnered with Signature Health Care, Bluegrass Care Navigators, Carroll County Memorial Hospital, NorthKey, NKADD, FairView Senior Living and Empowered Living of Carroll County to host the second annual Blue Christmas Program.  The Program reflects on the realization that all people are not happy and bright during the holidays.  Many individuals find the holiday season depressing, sad and lonely.  

Blue Christmas is an hour long program that gives people the opportunity to gather and share experiences that may make the holiday season “Blue.” It is a simple time of togetherness with dinner, song, quiet reflection and remembrance.  Printed materials are given to each participant so they will have educational information on programs and resources available in their community.

This is the second year the program has been offered.  In December 2018, there were less than 20 participants. In 2019, there were 79 people in attendance.  Of the ones surveyed, one third of them responded that they would be interested in starting and attending a grief support group.  Seventy five percent surveyed said they were very satisfied with the program and found it very important.  A grief support group is being planned.