Banner Health Foundation receives $25,000 from Walmart Arizona Foundation
PHOENIX (July 8, 2011) – The Walmart Foundation Arizona State Giving Program today announced the donation of $495,000 to 14 nonprofit organizations throughout Arizona, including $25,000 to the Banner Health Foundation.
The money will go to Banner Health’s School-Based Health Centers, an innovative community partnership that provides preventative and acute health services to the most vulnerable children and families in metro Phoenix community – those without access to either Medicaid or private health insurance. The program has been in operation since 1994.
The program is the largest school-based health partnership in Arizona, providing medical care to approximately 3,000 uninsured children each year. Currently, the program operates three school-based clinics which serve 150 schools in three school districts in the greater Phoenix cities of Glendale, Mesa, and Chandler Ariz.
The target population of the program is school-aged children who are either uninsured or underinsured and lack access to health care. Banner’s School-Based Health Centers are primarily located in districts where 93 to 99 percent of the children receive free/reduced lunch rates.
“The State Giving Program provides an opportunity for Walmart to contribute to nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to making a difference in our state,” said Delia Garcia, Walmart senior manager for public affairs and government relations.
The State Giving Program provides grants to organizations that make a positive impact in local communities, with initiatives in the areas of education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness.
Walmart has a history of giving back to communities in Arizona. In the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2011, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated more than $17.3 million to Arizona organizations. Through additional donations of cash, in-kind, and funds raised by customers and associates, a total of more than $18.9 million was contributed.
About the Walmart Foundation
The Walmart Foundation seeks to support nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that share Walmart’s values and mission to create opportunities for people to live better.
About Banner Health Foundation
Established in 1978, Banner Health Foundation secures and stewards charitable contributions to advance Banner Health’s mission. Contributions are invested locally to support patient care programs and services operated by Banner’s many hospitals and health care facilities across Arizona.
