Mercy’s Health Equity Fund awards support to 8 local non-profits  

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 5^th St. SE, Cedar Rapids
• 2:45 p.m.: Kids First, 420 6^th St. SE, Suite 160, Cedar Rapids
• 3:30 p.m.: His Hands Free Clinic, 1245 2^nd 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 3^rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids
• 10:45 a.m.: Olivet Neighborhood Mission, 230 10^th St. NW, Cedar Rapids
• 11:30 a.m.: Willis Dady Homeless Services, 1247 4^th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids

Mercy’s vice president of mission integration will also be offering a blessing at each of the check presentation locations.