April 6, 2026 3:05 a.m. 

CHI Mercy Health has announced a commitment of $146,000 to four local nonprofit organizations, awarded through its 2026 Community Health Improvement Grants program.

A Mercy release said this marks the second consecutive year that Mercy has invested in Douglas County non-profits. This will fund initiatives that directly address urgent community health needs including early childhood development and engagement, access to affordable quality and equitable health care, food insecurities and nutrition access.

CHI Mercy Health Market President Russell Wooley said, “Our Community Health Improvement Grants are a vital way we demonstrate our profound commitment to the health of the communities we serve”. Wooley said, “We are deeply thankful for this chance to provide funding for crucial local partnerships that directly benefit our community members”.

2026 Community Health Improvement awardees include:

*Cobb Children’s Learning Center: $29,000 for the Early Development Screening & Family Support Initiative

*HIV Alliance: $20,000 for Improving Access to Care and Preventing New Infections and Overdose Deaths in Douglas County

*OSU Extension SNAP-Ed: $77,651 for Enhancing Nutrition and Food Safety Education to Promote Healthy Eating Among Douglas County Youth and

*Salvation Army: $20,000 for Give Hunger the Can

This year Mercy received almost $300,000 in grant request applications. The Mercy Community Health Improvement Grants program is funded by contributions from the hospital and in partnership with Common Spirit Health.

For more information about Mercy Foundation, go to: www.mercygiving.org.