Mercy C.A.R.E.S. recently awarded West Valley Health Equity a 2024 Community Reinvestment Grant in the amount of $146,650.

Funding will be used to support Health Meets Home, a program through West Valley Health Equity that provides housing designed to create a supportive, sober, and healing home environment for participants.

“We understand that housing instability is intricately linked with access to healthcare and substance use disorders, all of which significantly affect maternal and child health,” stated Julia Carlberg, West Valley Health Equity executive board president in a press release. “Through Health Meets Home, we provide homes strategically located in walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with proximity to public transportation, parks, and healthy food options, with the aim of bridging the service gap in addressing these intertwined crises in the Valley.”

As part of the program, CDC Public Health AmeriCorps members play a role in delivering evidence-based Seeking Safety interventions, fostering recovery, and providing maternal and child resiliency skill-building activities. They also ensure access to care through transportation services.

“The health-supported housing program is showing that it improves maternal health outcomes, including reduced rates of maternal overdose, relapse, and postpartum depression,” stated Trisha Stuart, Mercy Care director of community relations in the press release. “Additionally, the program aims to reduce preventable pre-term births and NICU admissions, contributing to improved infant health outcomes.”

Mercy C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service, is Mercy Care’s community giving initiative. Mercy C.A.R.E.S. supports AHCCCS’ Whole Person Care Initiative.

“Through Mercy C.A.R.E.S., we partner with organizations that advance health equity and further our mission that everyone, particularly those who are underserved with complex health needs, deserves to live a healthier life and achieve their full potential,” Stuart stated.

Mercy Care is a not-for-profit Medicaid managed care health plan, serving AHCCCS members in Arizona since 1985. Mercy Care is a local company sponsored by Dignity Health and Ascension Health.

West Valley OB-GYN and Desert Bloom Family Medical opened the doors to West Valley Health Equity in 2022, a nonprofit founded in response to the community's health needs, extending beyond the clinic walls. For information, visit www.wvhealthequity.com.