Mercy Medical Center has announced that, for the third consecutive year, it will award funds from its Health Equity Fund to local nonprofit agencies.
According to a news release, the fund aims to help individuals in Linn County and seven surrounding communities achieve full health potential, regardless of social circumstances, through support from local nonprofits.
This year, nine nonprofits have received a combined total of $169,500:
- HACAP Food Reservoir: $10,000
- Heritage Area Agency on Aging: $19,500
- Matthew 25 (Cultivate Hope Corner Store): $20,000
- Foundation 2: $20,000
- Waypoint: $20,000
- Catherine McAuley Center: $20,000
- Horizons: $20,000
- Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity: $20,000
- Catholic Charities: $20,000
“As a locally owned and operated hospital since 1900, Mercy is committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Melissa Dean, Mercy’s Director of Health Equity & Community Partnerships. “Mercy recognizes the significant downstream influence of community conditions on an individual’s health. To advance health equity, we are pleased to support and partner with these local organizations that are engaging in strategies to address the root causes of poor health.”
Local organizations applied for funding to support programs focusing on access to behavioral health services, food insecurity, safe and affordable housing, and assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mercy will present the awards to each organization between 1:15 and 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, at the following locations:
- HACAP Food Reservoir, 1515 Hawkeye Dr., Hiawatha, IA 52233
- Heritage Area Agency on Aging, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- Matthew 25 (Cultivate Hope Corner Store), 604 Ellis Blvd. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
- Foundation 2, 305 2nd Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
- Waypoint, 318 5th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
- Catherine McAuley Center, 1220 5th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
- Horizons, 819 5th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
- Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, 350 6th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
An award was already presented to Catholic Charities, 420 6th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. Mercy’s vice president of mission integration will offer a blessing at each award presentation location.
Since the fund’s inception in 2022, Mercy has awarded $476,500 to 19 community nonprofits working to advance health equity.
