Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
The Scottsdale Saguaros have awarded a $250,000 grant to the Banner Health Foundation to support Banner Children’s Community Clinics in Mesa and Tolleson, as well as the Banner Children’s Healthmobile, which provides free primary care to uninsured children.
The donation was presented in October at the Mesa clinic, recognizing the Saguaros’ ongoing commitment to supporting children’s charities throughout the Phoenix area, according to a press release.
The clinics and Healthmobile serve families in Mesa, Tolleson, San Tan Valley and Maricopa, offering free exams, treatment and health education, the release states.
“Our goal has always been to make the biggest impact possible by standing alongside community partners who are making a real difference for kids,” said Ian Sachs, a Scottsdale Saguaros member who helped present the check. “Over the past year, our partnership with Banner has turned that mission into action and will help thousands of uninsured children across the Valley get the healthcare they need. For us, there’s no greater reward than knowing we’re helping make that happen.”
More than 3,000 uninsured children are cared for annually at the two Banner Children’s Community Clinics, with an additional 500 served aboard the Healthmobile. Services include primary care, behavioral health screenings, specialty care referrals, sports physicals and injury prevention education.
“We are incredibly gratified to receive this support from the Scottsdale Saguaros to serve vulnerable children in our community,” said Andy Petersen, president and CEO of the Banner Health Foundation. “The Saguaros have been committed to helping the youth of our area for more than 35 years, and it is wonderful to be the recipient of this investment to help vulnerable kids stay well and wonderful.”
Most patients served by the clinics and Healthmobile come from low-income families, lack health insurance, have limited access to transportation and often prefer to communicate in Spanish. Many children have had little to no previous access to primary care.
