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Mission of Mercy Celebrates 20 Years of Delivering ‘More Than Medicine’ in Arizona

Monday, October 09, 2017   |   Category: Media Coverage

PHOENIX (Oct. 9, 2017) – Mission of Mercy Arizona, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free primary medical care and medications to those in need, will celebrate its 20-year anniversary with the “More Than Medicine” awards dinner at the Omni Scottsdale Montelucia Resort and Spa on Oct. 13, 2017.

The annual event recognizes healthcare partners who support Mission of Mercy’s important work in the community providing free access to healthcare to the medically vulnerable through a network of mobile clinics located throughout Maricopa County. This year, the event recognizes Sonora Quest Laboratories and Dignity Health with the Healing Through Love Award, and Al Asendorf, M.D., a volunteer physician, with the Medical Hero Award.

“We are honored to have partnered with a robust network of 300-plus volunteers and health partners in the community that make it possible for our organization to provide 15,000 pro bono doctor visits each year,” said Catherine Amiot, president and executive director of Mission of Mercy Arizona. “The organizations and physician that we are honoring embody our mission of healing through love and compassion and restoring dignity to those in need.”

Healing Through Love Awards: Sonora Quest Laboratories and Dignity Health

As recipients of the Healing Through Love Award, Sonora Quest Laboratories and Dignity Health embody the true spirit of partnership, joining forces with Mission of Mercy two decades ago to help heal those in need.

Since 1997, Sonora Quest Laboratories, the nation’s largest integrated laboratory system and the leading provider in Arizona, has generously donated all labs and diagnostic testing to MOM patients at no cost, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the well-being of the entire community. In 2017 alone, Sonora Quest donated more than 8,000 total procedures to MOM patients valued at $246,949.

“We have a moral and ethical responsibility to give back to the communities in which we live and work,” said David A. Dexter, president and CEO of Sonora Quest. “Our partnership with Mission of Mercy allows us to assist the most medically vulnerable population in our local communities.”

For 20 years, Dignity Health has also been a faithful partner to Mission of Mercy by aiding the free medical program and generously providing community grants and pro-bono radiology, imaging and indigent surgical services to MOM patients. Dignity Health, the fifth largest health system in the nation, is committed to human kindness, faith and compassion, advocacy and action, teamwork and innovation.

“Healing with mercy and dignity is what provides both Mission of Mercy and Dignity Health the aligned values of serving our brothers and sisters in need,” said Marisue Garganta, director of Community Health Integration and Community Health Benefit at Dignity Health in Arizona. “Together we are able to provide quality and compassionate healthcare in a time where so many are seeking care. It is an honor and privilege to work with Mission of Mercy and we look forward to our ongoing, long-lasting collaboration.”

Medical Hero Award: Al Asendorf, M.D.

Dr. Albert Asendorf, known as “Dr. Al” to most, is receiving the inaugural Medical Hero Award from Mission of Mercy in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Dr. Al, a retired Phoenix-based cardiologist, has faithfully volunteered the past 16 years, treating patients every Wednesday at Mission of Mercy’s North Central Phoenix clinic. He retired from medical practice in 2001 after more than three decades of helping others. His deep spiritual values and his loving interaction with his patients embodies MOM’s mission of healing through love and restoring dignity.

“I love serving in the clinic, seeing patients and volunteers come together. Everyone has such a good, positive attitude. I like the challenge, and I love interacting with medical students and giving back in that way,” said Dr. Al, who also stays busy with his other passions – traveling, visiting family and serving on medical mission trips to underserved regions in Mexico.

About Mission of Mercy Arizona
Since 1997, Mission of Mercy Arizona has been providing free healthcare and free prescription medications to the uninsured, underinsured and those “falling through the cracks” of our healthcare system. An independent 501(c)(3), faith-based organization, Mission of Mercy is 100% privately funded and receives no government funding. Because of this, MOM can provide access to free healthcare without embarrassing pre-qualification processes. For more information, visit missionofmercyaz.org.