PHOENIX – Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM), a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free primary medical care and medications to the uninsured, recently received a $75,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support access to healthcare for patients who cannot afford health insurance.
Through six clinics operating four to five days per week across the Valley and a network of more than 100 volunteer doctors, nurses and medical interpreters, Mission of Mercy provides approximately 2,000 patients with free primary medical care and vital prescription medications each year. According to the latest U.S. Census, 12.2% of Maricopa County residents have no health insurance, meaning more than 400,000 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 healthcare 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) and cannot afford private healthcare insurance.
Additionally, more than 90% of MOM’s patients have at least one chronic condition – the most prevalent of which are hypertension (74%), diabetes (56%) and high cholesterol (52%) – 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.
“Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support Mission of Mercy Arizona,” said Matt Mooney, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “The programs and services offered provide access to quality healthcare to those in our community who need it the most.”
Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM)
This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.