The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AzAAP) has received a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to serve additional children through its long-standing Medical Services Project (MSP) program.

Since 1993, the Medical Services Project has connected thousands of Arizona’s uninsured and underinsured children, whose families earn below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, with acute and episodic medical care. The program serves children experiencing a lapse in coverage and those who do not qualify for AHCCCS or KidsCare but cannot afford private insurance premiums. Without regular access to adequate health care, children may be unable to participate in class and are at risk for increased school absences. This can lead to poor academic performance and ultimately affect a child’s ability to succeed in school. Furthermore, untreated health conditions can become serious long-term issues.

MSP works with health professionals, such as school nurses and community health providers, who refer these children to primary and specialty care practices and services in the program network, including mental and behavioral health, vision, ENT, and more, to receive care they may not receive otherwise. The program offers low-cost medical care via a network of generous program providers who donate their time or drastically reduce their service cost, allowing MSP to improve necessary access to care for as many children as possible.

Funding from Thunderbirds Charities will allow MSP to help approximately 165 additional children in the Phoenix-Metro area access healthcare services and will improve program efficiency through additional school and provider recruitment, as well as technological support.

Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AzAAP)

This grant is part of the Spring 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.