TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare announced today that it awarded $50,000 in community impact grants to help four programs that support the underserved, including a unique hospital-based domestic violence prevention effort.

Centene Corporation's Arizona-based subsidiary, Bridgeway Health Solutions, presented the check to the Maricopa Health Foundation at a recent event. The Foundation supports the Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS), Arizona's only public health care system.

"The Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare believes strongly in giving back to the communities where we operate," said Kathy Bradley-Wells, President, Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare.

"These four programs are worthy recipients of the Foundation's community impact grants because they reflect our joint commitment to provide services to underserved communities," said Dr. Robert Krauss, Chief Medical Officer at Bridgeway Health Solutions.

Dr. Dean Coonrod, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MIHS, said the grants will be used to expand critical programs that support vulnerable women, including victims of domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is an issue of great importance in our state and nation," Coonrod said. "We are very pleased to receive the support of the Centene Foundation as we help serve the needs of victims of domestic violence in our community and other individuals served by these programs."

All four programs receiving the funds are operated by the Maricopa Integrated Health System. They are:

• Mariposa Wings to Safety; $20,000
• Refugee Women's Health Clinic; $10,000
• Internatal Clinic; $10,000
• New Hope Teen Pregnancy Program; $10,000

Mariposa Wings to Safety – The agency provides round-the-clock advocacy services for domestic violence victims.  The program offers both prevention education for victims and education to the medical community about domestic violence.  The $20,000 award will help support services that address access to health care services and promote wellness for victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse.

Refugee Women's Health Clinic - Created in 2008, the clinic provides patient-centered services for the growing refugee community in Maricopa County.  The clinic works to reduce and eliminate health disparities and cultural barriers to care.  The staff includes refugee women who speak 13 different languages.  The $10,000 award will help support programs to meet the health needs of refugee women and girls.

Internatal Clinic – The clinic provides care for women who are between pregnancies who have experienced a poor pregnancy outcome.  The clinic delivers healthcare to an at-risk population.  The $10,000 award will help the clinic maintain and expand its services to Arizona women.

New Hope Teen Pregnancy Program – The program provides specialized prenatal care and teen childbirth and life skill classes along with a connection to community resources.  The program offers teens guidance and help during their pregnancy.  The $10,000 will help the program maintain and expand services to at-risk teens in the state.

About The Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare
The Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare is a non-profit private foundation dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare in the United States. The Foundation serves as a resource to identify and support innovative approaches to improving and increasing the quality of and access to healthcare for low-income individuals and families. This is accomplished through an inspired philanthropic giving plan that seeks to promote efforts and activities that identify and address core causes of unequal access and treatment in healthcare. 

About Maricopa Health Foundation
Maricopa Health Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting Maricopa Integrated Health System, Arizona's only public health care system.  The foundation raises private funds to improve accessibility, quality of health care and in-patient comfort for those who live in Maricopa County and beyond.

About Maricopa Integrated Health System
Maricopa Integrated Health System, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, is the state's only public health care system.  MIHS has been serving the residents of Maricopa County for more than 140 years. MIHS has 515 licensed beds – 325 acute and 190 psychiatric and more than 4,000 employees. MIHS includes the Maricopa Medical Center, the Arizona Burn Center, Level I Trauma Center, the Arizona Children's Center, two behavioral health centers, 11 neighborhood family health centers and the McDowell Healthcare Center, the region's oldest HIV/AIDS clinic. Mission: Maricopa Integrated Health System is committed to offering comprehensive and safe care to all who live in Maricopa County, including the underserved and medically needy, through a seamless continuum of care that keeps our community healthy and self-sufficient and effectively treats illness. We are committed to fostering academic programs that train physicians for the community and conduct clinical research to improve health care outcomes. Website address is www.MIHS.org.  Main telephone number is (602) 344-5011. 

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/centene-foundation-for-quality-healthcare-awards-50000-to-help-four-maricopa-integrated-health-system-programs-300035327.html

SOURCE The Centene Foundation for Quality Healthcare