Mercy Medical Center is pleased to announce that it will be awarding funds from its newly created Health Equity Fund to eight local nonprofit agencies. The Health Equity Fund is designed to provide individuals in Linn County and seven surrounding communities with the opportunity to attain full health potential – regardless of social position or other socially defined circumstances – through assistance from local nonprofit organizations.
In total, Mercy received 36 applications for financial support. Of those, the following nonprofits were awarded funds ranging from $10,000 to $45,000 each.
- His Hands Free Clinic (partnering with Linn County Mental Health Access Center and Sixth Judicial District) = $15,000
- Kids First Law Center = $12,500
- Tanager Place = $20,000
- HACAP Food Reservoir = $10,000
- Horizons = $10,000
- Matthew 25 = $25,000
- Olivet Neighborhood Mission (partnering with Heritage Area Agency on Aging) = $12,500
- Willis Dady Homeless Services = $45,000
“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 Cullum, Mercy’s director of community benefit. “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 that applied for financial support could request funding for programs that focus on: access to behavioral health services; food insecurity; and safe and affordable housing, or in support of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mercy will present checks to each organization that received an award at the following dates and times:
Thursday, July 28:
- 1:05 p.m.: Tanager Place, 2309 C St. SW, Cedar Rapids
- 2:00 p.m.: Horizons, 819 5th St. SE, Cedar Rapids
- 2:45 p.m.: Kids First, 420 6th St. SE, Suite 160, Cedar Rapids
- 3:30 p.m.: His Hands Free Clinic, 1245 2nd Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Friday, July 29:
- 9:05 a.m.: HACAP Food Reservoir, 1550 Hawkeye Dr., Hiawatha
- 10:00 a.m.: Matthew 25, 201 3rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids
- 10:45 a.m.: Olivet Neighborhood Mission, 230 10th St. NW, Cedar Rapids
- 11:30 a.m.: Willis Dady Homeless Services, 1247 4th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Mercy’s vice president of mission integration will also be offering a blessing at each of the check presentation locations.
