CCHI receives $30,000 grant for patient assistance

DOUGLAS — Chiricahua Community Health Centers Inc. has received a $30,000 grant to help Cochise County patients facing housing instability, utility costs and other health-related financial needs.

The 2026 Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Grant will support the Chiricahua Cares Fund, which assists patients with expenses related to housing, electricity, gas, water, food and clothing.

Chiricahua said the grant is expected to provide emergency housing or utility assistance to at least 55 households across Cochise County.

"At Chiricahua, we don't just talk about whole person care; we deliver it," CEO Dr. Jonathan Melk said in a statement. "We are grateful to Mercy C.A.R.E.S. for generously supporting and recognizing this important effort."

Mercy C.A.R.E.S., short for Community Action Resources Education and Service, is the community-giving initiative of Mercy Care, a nonprofit Medicaid managed-care health plan. The program supports organizations working to meet basic needs, expand access to health care, manage chronic health conditions and improve mental health and well-being.

Mercy C.A.R.E.S. is supporting 46 partner organizations and coalitions across Arizona this year. Mercy Care said the initiative has invested nearly $45 million in community projects since 2016.

"Access to safe housing and reliable utilities plays an important role in overall health and well-being," Trisha Stuart, Mercy Care's director of community relations, said in a statement. "Through Mercy C.A.R.E.S., we are proud to partner with organizations like Chiricahua Community Health Centers that are addressing barriers to health and connecting people with the support they need."

Chiricahua is a federally qualified nonprofit health center founded in 1996. It serves more than 33,000 patients annually through 12 medical, dental and behavioral health clinics and pharmacies, along with four mobile medical and dental clinics operating throughout Cochise County.

Mercy Care has provided physical and behavioral health coverage through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state's Medicaid program, since 1985.