TROY, Mo. – As part of a focus on addressing housing instability, Mercy donated $100,000 to Bridge of Hope Lincoln County, which recently broke ground on an emergency shelter and crisis stabilization center in Troy, Missouri.
“The Bridge of Hope Lincoln County values align with Mercy’s values and by investing to help the community, we know it will ultimately keep everyone in better health,” said Denise Scoffic, chief financial officer for Mercy’s east region.
Housing instability has been acknowledged throughout Mercy’s community health needs assessment (CHNA) process as one of the most important social determinants of health in the greater St. Louis community, along with behavioral health and transportation assistance.
Mercy Hospital Lincoln’s community health improvement plan (CHIP) looks for programs and organizations that are making an impact to address these prioritized needs. Part of the CHIP for Lincoln County is the collaboration between Mercy and Bridge of Hope.
“Once the Bridge of Hope center opens early next year, we’ll work together to provide health care navigation, prescription medication assistance and social need assistance onsite,” said Rocco Gonzalez, Mercy community health director. “We have been working together to understand the best ways of ensuring the sustainability and appropriate reach to the right community members.”
