Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona (WHI) $30,000 to expand mental health services for entire families during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, under their program Strong Families.

Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona was launched in 2015 by a group of individuals in the healthcare industry who saw the gap in women’s mental health care – specifically during pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. At the time, the focus of medical professionals was almost exclusively on the health of the baby, infant or child, while women who needed support were usually silent or at a loss of where to turn. From this realization, WHI of Arizona began, creating an accessible channel to provide maternal mental health services.

“The core mission of WHI is to ensure that all families have access to specialized care, regardless of socioeconomic status.” said Michelle Lacy, Executive Director of Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona.

Today, Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona remains the only licensed outpatient mental health clinic specializing in pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood.

As WHI has grown, the organization has recognized the need to provide services to family members in addition to the mother during her perinatal journey. In an effort to build capacity to support the growing demand for our expanded mental health support services, WHI established the Strong Families program, which includes 1:1 counseling for children in a safe, trusted, convenient space, as well as additional group support, and educational opportunities for parents on the emotional wellbeing of their children and their developmental milestones.

“We are so grateful to the Thunderbirds for supporting the launch of our children’s program, Strong Families. This generous support allows us to continue working toward accessible care” said Lacy.

Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization established in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to support organizations that assist children and families, and help people in need and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. This is the first philanthropic grant awarded by Thunderbirds Charities to Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona.

This funding from Thunderbirds Charities will allow Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona to ensure all families who need mental health support have the access and ability to receive treatment, regardless of their ability to pay.

Women’s Health Innovations of AZ

This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.