News Summary
Arizona Autism Charter Schools (AZACS) has received a $355,000 grant from Mercy Care to open Arizona’s first primary care clinic exclusively for individuals on the autism spectrum. The Autism Spectrum Wellness Center, located on the AZACS campus, aims to provide comprehensive medical and behavioral health services to nearly 600 enrolled students and the wider community. Operated by Valle del Sol, the center will offer routine care, behavioral support, and wraparound resources, all tailored to the needs of individuals with autism, enhancing their quality of life and health outcomes.
Phoenix – Arizona Autism Charter Schools (AZACS) has been awarded a significant $355,000 Community Reinvestment Grant from Mercy Care as part of the 2025 Mercy C.A.R.E.S. program. This funding will facilitate the establishment of Arizona’s first primary care medical clinic dedicated exclusively to individuals on the autism spectrum. The Autism Spectrum Wellness Center will be located on the main campus of AZACS in Phoenix, aiming to provide specialized, integrated healthcare tailored to meet the diverse medical and behavioral needs of both children and adults with autism.
The Autism Spectrum Wellness Center will serve as a unique resource for nearly 600 enrolled students and their families while also welcoming the wider community in need of autism-informed care. The center is designed to offer comprehensive services that include routine medical care, behavioral support, and specialized accommodations to effectively address the complex health issues often experienced by those on the autism spectrum.
Operated by Valle del Sol, a healthcare provider with over 50 years of experience in delivering culturally responsive services, the Wellness Center will follow a holistic care model. This integrated approach aims to ensure that individuals with autism receive seamless, continuous care from an interdisciplinary team of professionals who address various medical concerns, such as seizure disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and anxiety.
Trisha Stuart, the director of community relations at Mercy Care, emphasized the importance of the Wellness Center in setting a statewide precedent. It is expected to deliver high-quality medical and behavioral health care tailored specifically to the unique needs of individuals with autism, thereby enhancing the overall health outcomes and quality of life for patients.
In addition to primary medical care, the Autism Spectrum Wellness Center will provide preventive services, health education, peer support groups, and wraparound resources for families and caregivers. This comprehensive approach not only aims to boost clinical outcomes but also seeks to improve the day-to-day experiences of those living on the autism spectrum and their loved ones.
Ron Harrison, interim CEO of Arizona Autism Charter Schools, expressed appreciation for Mercy Care’s support in bringing the Wellness Center to fruition. With bilingual professionals on staff, the center will ensure that care is accessible and culturally resonant for the diverse community it serves. The strategic location on the AZACS campus will make it easier for families to access integrated healthcare services, allowing them to navigate the complex healthcare landscape more effectively.
The establishment of the Autism Spectrum Wellness Center marks a pivotal step forward in addressing the pressing healthcare needs of individuals with autism within their school community. By bridging the gap between education and healthcare, the center aims to foster an environment where comprehensive, compassionate care is the norm, empowering families and individuals on the autism spectrum to thrive.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of targeted healthcare resources for individuals with autism, showcasing a commitment to improving lives through dedicated, informed, and integrated support systems.
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- Wikipedia: Autism
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- Google Search: Behavioral Health Initiatives
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- Google Scholar: Autism Healthcare
- My Family Isn’t Sick: Attack on Neurodivergent Americans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Neurodiversity
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
