Mercy Care

Mercy Care is a prominent healthcare organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 1985 as a subsidiary of Saint Joseph's Health System, though it now operates as part of Trinity Health. It is recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and is Atlanta's only healthcare for the homeless (330h) program, making it a critical safety net provider for the city's most vulnerable residents. Its mission is deeply rooted in the healing ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, providing compassionate, clinically excellent healthcare and promoting health equity, with special attention to the poor, uninsured, underinsured, and homeless individuals. Mercy Care operates a comprehensive, integrated system of care that extends beyond traditional medical services. Their offerings include primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health (including psychiatry and addiction counseling), optometry, vision care, HIV integrated treatment, breast and cervical cancer programs, case management, health education, and pastoral care. These services are delivered through multiple permanent clinics, including their headquarters on Decatur Street, and mobile health coaches that reach individuals directly on the streets, under bridges, and in homeless camps through their "Street Medicine Program." This outreach is crucial for engaging patients who might otherwise be disconnected from the healthcare system. A significant aspect of Mercy Care's approach is its commitment to addressing the social determinants of health. They understand that factors like housing, income, employment, and access to healthy food profoundly impact an individual's well-being. To this end, they offer assistance with housing referrals, help securing identification documents, and provide other essential social services. A recent notable development is their involvement in the McAuley Station project, a mixed-income apartment complex adjacent to their campus that includes units specifically designated as transitional or permanent supportive housing for Mercy Care patients experiencing homelessness. This initiative exemplifies their holistic view of health and their dedication to fostering stability and thriving for their patients. Mercy Care prides itself on providing care regardless of a patient's ability to pay, accepting most insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid, and offering a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients based on household income. Patients with no income or those experiencing homelessness may receive services without a fee. The organization is heavily supported by federal grants, donations, and a dedicated network of volunteers who supplement their professional staff. Since its inception, Mercy Care has served tens of thousands of patients, consistently expanding its programs and reach to meet the evolving needs of the community. They emphasize a patient-centered medical home model, ensuring coordinated and continuous care that considers the whole person—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Their impact extends to reducing non-essential emergency room visits in Atlanta hospitals by proactively building trust with vulnerable populations and connecting them to ongoing, preventive care and social support networks.