ASHLAND, Ky. — Each year, King’s Daughters Auxiliary provides thousands of dollars in funding to support dozens of community programs and health initiatives that benefit underserved and at-risk individuals and families throughout the region.

On Thursday, the Auxiliary awarded more than $185,000 in gifts to support 20 community projects for fiscal year 2016, including:

• $25,000 to provide Tdap immunizations to pregnant women in their third trimester

• $10,500 to remotely monitor at-risk patients in their homes

• $4,680 to provide meals to homebound individuals

• $12,000 to provide assistance in the home as respite for regular caregivers

• $2,145 to purchase new robes for women waiting on mammograms/breast ultrasounds at KDMC

• $5,000 for smoking cessation nicotine patches to those who want to stop smoking and are not covered by insurance

• $7,500 to fund celebrations locally for National Cancer Survivors Day

“KDMC’s Auxiliary volunteers truly have the biggest hearts and support the health of our community,” said Jennifer Sparks, director of Women’s Health Services. “They make it possible for women in their third trimester of pregnancy to receive a Tdap immunization they otherwise may not receive. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not cover this vaccine currently, which means it is an out-of-pocket expense for most pregnant women.”