Since 1985, Mercy Care has been a cornerstone of healthcare access for approximately half a million individuals eligible for Medicaid, Medicare and state and federal grant-funded programs. As a local, nonprofit Medicaid health plan, Mercy Care serves AHCCCS members by providing comprehensive physical and behavioral healthcare services to a diverse population, including Medicaid-eligible families, children, seniors, and individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. The organization also extends its services to those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, children and families involved in the child welfare system, and individuals living with serious mental illness.
Mercy Care’s impact is magnified by its workforce of around 1,100 Arizona-based employees who are deeply integrated into the communities they serve. These employees process millions of on-time claims payments annually to more than 20,000 providers across the state, ensuring continuous care for their members and contributing to the local economy through their presence and activities in Arizona.
The organization’s community engagement is epitomized by its Mercy C.A.R.E.S. initiative, which stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service. This program supports the AHCCCS Whole Person Care Initiative by addressing social risk factors to improve health outcomes through grant funding, sponsorships, volunteer efforts and board participation.
Through Mercy C.A.R.E.S., the organization sponsors around 100 events annually in Arizona and contributes more than 100 volunteer hours each quarter. For example, its participation in the ACHCCC Back to School Campaign involved providing backpacks, educational resources and giveaways at six events to encourage parents to complete their children’s well-child visits. Another long-standing partnership is with Special Olympics Arizona. Since 2010, Mercy Care has provided more than $225,000 in financial support and more than 3,400 volunteer hours. This support has facilitated more than 12,100 free health screenings and the training of more than 330 health professionals and students. “Our collaboration with Special Olympics Arizona underscores our commitment to inclusivity and health equity,” says Trisha Stuart, director of community relations at Mercy Care.
Mercy C.A.R.E.S. also provides substantial grants to advance health equity. Since 2016, the Community Reinvestment grant program has invested nearly $24 million in local organizations. These grants support strategic projects with measurable outcomes in several key health focus areas, including managing chronic conditions, supporting mental health and well-being, addressing housing security and empowering recovery from substance use.
One notable initiative is the “Choose Your Person” collaboration with Hospice of the Valley and Contexture to promote advanced healthcare decisions. Mercy C.A.R.E.S. is funding this initiative with $670,000, which includes training community assistors and hosting workshops on advance care planning, particularly targeting underserved communities. Another initiative, supported by a $308,200 grant, involves Mercy Housing, which creates stable, vibrant communities through affordable housing and onsite resident services in health and wellness, community engagement and financial stability.
Additionally, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. has provided $100,000 to support the Valleywise Health Pediatric Care Coordination Medical Home Project. This grant supports care coordination for more than 11,700 children and teens, particularly those experiencing deep poverty and homelessness. Oakwood Creative Care’s Dementia Hub, another beneficiary, received $400,000 to support home and community-based services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Activate Food Arizona’s Farm Express Mobile Market Program, which serves food deserts in several Arizona communities, also received a $400,000 grant for its mobile market service.
In its social impact efforts, Mercy Care has launched a free video series titled “Everyone Deserves Access to Quality Healthcare.” Produced by Emmy award-winning journalist Carey Pena, this series is available on Mercy Care’s YouTube channel and features community partners discussing crucial topics such as suicide prevention, long-term care assistance and housing insecurity. “This video series is another way we’re reaching out to educate and support our community, especially the seniors who need it most,” says Stuart.
Mercy Care’s commitment to corporate philanthropy and community engagement is evident in every aspect of its operations. Through leadership, volunteerism, sponsorships, grants and educational initiatives, Mercy Care ensures that everyone, especially the underserved and those with complex health needs, can access the healthcare they deserve.
Mercy Care Video Series
Everyone deserves access to safe, quality, equitable health care. Mercy Care’s new video series provides important information for Arizonans who are aging or have a loved one who is aging. As Mercy Care says, “Because we care.”
For more information on Mercy Care’s initiatives and to watch the informative video series, visit Mercy Care’s website.
Tyler Butler is a chief social impact officer for a publicly traded corporate portfolio where she leads programs that positively impact humanity. She is also the founder of 11Eleven Consulting, and she is often cited as a subject matter expert by Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report and more.
