Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM), a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free primary medical services to the uninsured, recently received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support access to healthcare, medication management, and chronic disease education.

Through six clinics operating five days weekly across the Valley and a network of more than 100 volunteer doctors, nurses and medical interpreters, MOM’s mobile medical program provides approximately 2,000 patients with free medical care and vital prescription medications each year. According to the latest U.S. Census, 10.7% of Maricopa County residents have no health insurance, meaning 475,000 people in the county cannot afford quality, reliable healthcare.

“Thunderbirds Charities has been a vital partner of ours for nearly two decades,” said Paula Carvalho, executive director of Mission of Mercy Arizona. “With their generous support, our clinics fill the gap in healthcare services to vulnerable populations and remove barriers to care, ensuring patients have an equitable, reliable medical home to meet their health needs.”

Unlike other free or low-cost clinics, Mission of Mercy Arizona has no cumbersome prequalification process, which can deter people from seeking medical help. MOM’s patients do not qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) or cannot afford private health insurance.

Additionally, approximately 91% of MOM’s patients have at least one chronic condition – the most prevalent of which are hypertension (78%) and diabetes (56%) – making the need for MOM’s services critical. Studies have shown that regular medical visits can prevent illness, reduce the risk of serious medical complications, and improve health outcomes.

Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM)

This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.