Funds to benefit the Mariposa: Wings to Safety Domestic Violence Program and Refugee Women’s Clinic at Maricopa Integrated Health System

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded the Maricopa Health Foundation a $50,000 grant to benefit both the Mariposa: Wings to Safety Domestic Violence program and Refugee Women’s Health Clinic at Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS).  The grant supports a health provider cross-training bridge program designed to expand the effectiveness and reach of two critical programs for women and children.

Mariposa: Wings to Safety is a hospital-based family violence advocacy program raising awareness and providing support to families affected by domestic violence, including child abuse and neglect.  The unique program provides crisis intervention, patient education and prevention programs to families throughout Maricopa County. Mariposa: Wings to Safety Advocates are available 365 days-a-year to provide screenings and assistance. During the program’s 12 years, it has served more than 4,800 women and families affected by domestic violence and educated more than 50,000.

“Health education and a safe place to seek help is something every mother, child and family deserves,” said Carlos Sugich President, Thunderbirds Charities. “We’re pleased to help increase the impact of these two important women’s health programs and continue our support of MIHS through the Maricopa Health Foundation.”

The MIHS Refugee Women’s Health Clinic provides access to comprehensive, culturally sensitive care for refugee women in and around Phoenix. The only program of its kind nationwide, the clinic’s mission is to support refugee resettlement and promote self-sufficiency. Approximately half of Arizona’s resettled refugees are women and girls. Since opening in 2008, the clinic has provided access to culturally skilled women’s health care for 5,500 patients from 53 countries, speaking more than 49 different languages.

The RWHC staff members, most former refugees themselves, are sensitive to the physical, psychological and social health needs of their patients and provide integrated care to help them overcome previous, sometimes traumatic, experiences. The caring team helps women navigate the U.S. health care system and overcome misconceptions and myths regarding western medicine – which often result in poor maternal and neonatal outcomes.

“We know women’s health is a cornerstone of positive family outcomes in the areas of children’s education, mental health and job security,” said Maricopa Health Foundation CEO Nate Lowrie. “We are incredibly grateful to the Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support of these vital community health programs.”