Mercy Care Awards Grant to TMC Health Foundation
The $100,000 donation supports a Tucson program focused on reducing non-emergency 911 calls.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Mercy Care has awarded a $100,000 grant to the TMC Health Foundation through its Mercy C.A.R.E.S. initiative. The funds support the Tucson Collaborative Community Care program in addressing social determinants of health.
Why it matters
The program aims to lower 911 utilization by connecting residents with community resources to solve unmet needs. By addressing social challenges directly, the initiative intends to reduce unnecessary emergency calls across the city.
Mercy Care provided $100,000 in new funding to the TMC Health Foundation. This initiative currently coordinates with a network of 100 key community stakeholders to deliver services.
The players
Mercy Care
A health plan organization that provides healthcare services and funds various community health initiatives.
TMC Health Foundation
The philanthropic arm of the Tucson Medical Center that raises funds to support healthcare programs and services.
Tucson Police Department
The municipal law enforcement agency that operates a dedicated mental health support team.
The details
The grant allows the Tucson Collaborative Community Care program to expand its staff by hiring an additional nurse to assist high utilizers of the 911 system. Specialists in the program conduct medication reconciliation and coordinate with local partners, including the Tucson Police Department mental health team, to address food and safety needs.
Timeline
Stakeholders meet on a quarterly basis to coordinate resources.
Market Landscape
The project follows the established social determinants of health framework by shifting resources toward preventative care rather than emergency intervention. This model positions the program to reduce costs by addressing health drivers before they require emergency services.
Residents may benefit from improved access to social services and medical coordination that targets the root causes of their health needs. Those who frequently rely on 911 for non-emergency issues will see increased integration with local community resource providers.
The takeaway
Proactive medical intervention can significantly decrease the load on city emergency systems by addressing social needs. Connecting patients to resources like home repair and nutritional assistance is a practical way to manage individual health outcomes.
Further reading
Learn more about local support initiatives in our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inside Tucson Business.
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