Mercy Care Celebrates 40th Anniversary by Collecting 51,000 Bottles of Water for St. Mary’s Food Bank
(PHOENIX – June 30, 2025) – Mercy Care, which is celebrating 40 years in Arizona throughout 2025, kicked off its ruby anniversary by paying it forward. The non-profit health plan that provides access to Medicaid and Medicare health care services for families, children, seniors, and people with physical and developmental/cognitive disabilities who are eligible for AHCCCS, set a goal for its team to collect 40,000 bottles of water in 40 days to celebrate its 40 years.
The result?
Mercy Care collected more than 51,000 bottles, donating them all to St. Mary’s Food Bank, which is currently experiencing a critical need for water donations due to the ongoing extreme heat.
“St. Mary’s is a lifeline for many people as it works to keep the most vulnerable population hydrated during the hottest months of the year,” said DéMario Vaughn, Mercy Care community relations manager.
As a healthcare and community champion for 40 years, this is just the latest in impactful projects completed by Mercy Care to address and advocate for the comprehensive health of its members and their families, with special consideration for the underserved and those with complex health needs regardless of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.
In fact, the organization is nearing $40 million in recent giving in line with its 40th anniversary as well.
“Through Mercy C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service and is Mercy Care’s community giving initiative, we also partner with organizations that advance health equity and furthers the vision that everyone, particularly those who are underserved with complex health needs, deserves to live a healthier life, and achieve their full potential,” said Vaughn.
Through grant funding, sponsorships, volunteer efforts and board participation, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. supports AHCCCS’ Whole Person Care Initiative, which addresses social risk factors to advance health equity across Arizona.
“Each year, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. awards grants to projects that demonstrate positive impact to the community and align with one or more of Mercy Care’s community health focus areas,” said Vaughn. “In the past few years alone, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. has helped direct funds of nearly $40 million to community reinvestment projects that help manage chronic conditions; support mental health and well-being; address housing security; and empower recovery from substance use.”
For more information, visit www.mercycareaz.org.
