Maricopa County awards 18 groups nearly $6M to address health inequalities

PHOENIX — Eighteen community groups in Maricopa County were collectively awarded $5.7 million to address health disparities created or worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maricopa County Public Health awarded the groups funds ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 through a grant received by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, officials said in a press release Tuesday.

Groups that had already been involved in working with communities that face inequities went through a competitive bid process to demonstrate the need, their capability and how their efforts would address health disparities.

“By funding existing work, we can put money directly into those communities that need it,” Marcy Flanagan, executive director for MCDPH, said in the release.

“This adds momentum to organizations who already know their community and how to implement solutions with those who are most severely impacted.”

Among the 18 groups that received funding were the Banner Health Foundation, Hushabye Nursery, Valley of the Sun YMCA and Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona.

The groups will use the grant money for various reasons, ranging from staff training to community data to addressing mental health.

Through the project, one of the most common issues that’ll be addressed is mental health, Nina Lindsey, health disparities grant administrator at MCDPH, said in the release.

“We know that has been a major concern for people of all ages and backgrounds over the last few years, and these projects will help increase the availability of mental health resources to people across Maricopa County,” Lindsey said.

The one-time funds are meant to develop higher-level systems that’ll benefit the community for years, the release said.

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