Thunderbirds Charities Awards $200,000 Grant to Valleywise Health Foundation to Expand Access to Behavioral Health Care
Phoenix, AZ — Valleywise Health Foundation is proud to announce a generous $200,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support the expansion of behavioral health services for children and families through the Desert Vista Residency Outpatient Clinic at Valleywise Behavioral Health Center – Mesa.
The funding will help expand access to affordable, high-quality behavioral health care for uninsured and underserved individuals while helping train Arizona’s next generation of psychiatrists and mental health professionals.
As Arizona continues to face growing behavioral health needs and a critical shortage of mental health providers, the Desert Vista Residency Outpatient Clinic serves as an essential resource for families seeking care. The clinic offers low-cost psychiatric services and psychotherapy while providing hands-on training opportunities for psychiatry residents and child and adolescent psychiatry fellows.
Thunderbirds Charities’ investment will support key enhancements designed to strengthen the patient experience and expand the clinic’s impact in the community. Planned improvements include the addition of a medical assistant to strengthen patient intake and care coordination, upgraded therapy and training spaces, enhanced audiovisual technology for resident supervision and education, and outreach efforts to increase community awareness of available services.
“Thunderbirds Charities has been an incredible partner to Valleywise Health and our community for many years,” said Lisa Hartsock, Chief Executive Officer of Valleywise Health Foundation. “Their continued investment in programs that improve health and well-being across Arizona is helping create brighter futures for children, families, and individuals facing behavioral health challenges. We are deeply grateful for their support and shared commitment to expanding access to care for those who need it most.”
“Thunderbirds Charities is committed to supporting programs that improve health outcomes and strengthen communities throughout Arizona,” said Jason Eisenberg, president of Thunderbird Charities. “We are proud to partner with Valleywise Health Foundation on this important initiative, which will expand access to behavioral health care while preparing the next generation of mental health professionals.”
Thunderbirds Charities has been a longtime supporter of Valleywise Health and Valleywise Health Foundation, helping advance critical programs and services that improve the lives of patients and families throughout Maricopa County. Previous support has included investments in pediatric burn care, behavioral health services, Family Resource Centers, and emergency relief efforts.
To learn more about Valleywise Health Foundation and its efforts to support exceptional care throughout Arizona’s public teaching health system, click here.