Desert Diamond Donates to Mobile Clinic Program for Second Year

COPE Community Services, Inc. (COPE) is honored to have received a generous $10,000 donation from Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprises and Desert Diamond Casinos (DDC) to support the Wellness on Wheels (WoW) Mobile Clinic Program. This is the second year DDC has selected COPE to receive this contribution to support the program, which will tremendously impact individuals needing treatment.

In addition to offering quality entertainment options for the community, DDC works to create a better quality of life for members of the Tohono O’odham Nation and all people of Southern Arizona by supporting community efforts across the region. Their commitment to establishing partnerships with community members and charitable organizations has led to fund initiatives and programs that focus on the betterment of the community.

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, COPE leadership and program staff were presented with a check from Danielle Bautista, Public Relations Community Support Coordinator, representing DDC and Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. Ms. Bautista remarked, “We [Desert Diamond Casinos] are proud to support COPE’s mobile clinic program for a second year. We know last year was the program’s infancy, and we can’t wait to see it grow and impact more lives.”

In 2024, WoW engaged over 1,400 individuals. Almost all reported homelessness and active substance use. Over 500 received medical services, including, but not limited to, initiation of Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, wound care, foot care, blood pressure, and A1C checks, HIV/Hepatitis/STD screening and treatment, well checks, women’s healthcare, prescription refills, and more.

COPE extends immense gratitude to DDC for their generous donation. Their partnership and support will undoubtedly contribute to WoW’s growth and success, enabling COPE to continue its mission of providing compassionate and effective care to those who need it most.

Wellness at the Zoo! A Special Celebration for Healthcare and Social Service Workers

To celebrate COPE Community Services, Inc.’s (COPE) 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to invite the public to Wellness at the Zoo, a special event at Reid Park Zoo on Saturday, November 23, 2024. This celebration recognizes and appreciates the healthcare and social service workers who play a vital role in supporting our community.

Healthcare and social service workers (plus one guest!) are invited to enjoy free admission to Reid Park Zoo on this special day by simply presenting their employee ID at the gate. Workers can also bring their families and friends along, with discounted admission of just $5 per guest (up to five guests).

Event Highlights:

  • Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
  • Free Zoo Admission for healthcare and social service workers with ID (plus one guest)
  • Discounted Admission: $5 per guest (up to five guests)
  • Special Activities:
    From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, enjoy live music, fun activities, and access to community resources in the Zoo’s Event Garden area.
  • Zoo Experiences:
    Participate in interactive keeper chats and giraffe feeding, and explore the zoo’s exhibits.

This event is our way of saying thank you to the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support the well-being of others. It’s also a chance for families and friends to enjoy a wonderful day at the zoo while celebrating COPE’s five decades of providing comprehensive healthcare and social services to the community.

We look forward to celebrating with you! For more information, call 520.792.3293 or email communications@copecommunityservices.org.

Let’s make this a day to remember for the entire community!

COPE Featured in August Issue of The Nation’s Health

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COPE was recently featured in The Nation’s Health, a national publication of the American Public Health Association, discussing the expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHC) across the US. Laura Santa Cruz, Director of Integrated Clinics, and Siobhan O’Boyle, Chief Compliance and Operations Officer, were part of the interview for this article, discussing COPE’s services and the future CCBHC programs.

The CCBHC model provides 24/7 crisis services, comprehensive behavioral services in a single location, and care navigation among health and social services so that patients do not fall through the cracks. At COPE, this program is offered through our Northwest Clinic and enhances access to care for individuals dealing with mental health and substance use conditions.

Over 500 CCBHCs have been established in 46 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, with more opening regularly. We are proud to be part of this nationwide effort to increase access to behavioral health services for individuals in need.

To learn more about COPE’s CCBHC, click here.

To read the full article, click on the following link: https://www.thenationshealth.org/content/54/6/1.4

COPE Partners with Bens Bells Project for 50th Anniversary

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We are thrilled to announce a meaningful partnership between COPE and Ben’s Bells Project, a renowned organization dedicated to spreading kindness. To commemorate our 50th anniversary, we are excited to share this collaboration with Ben’s Bells Project which has led to the creation of custom butterfly bells that embody the spirit of compassion and interconnectedness that defines our organization.

This collaboration has also allowed us to work with another incredible organization in our community, Ben’s Bells. Their mission to inspire the practice of intentional kindness aligns with our values — and the importance of continuing conversations on mental health — and breaking the stigma surrounding accessing treatment.

A group of COPE staff members from various programs assisted in glazing the ceramic butterflies with “COPE red” paint in late May. These were then fired up and assembled by additional Ben’s Bells Project volunteers and staff. Each bell comes with a customized tag that features our logo and anniversary information, as well as the Ben’s Bells Project mission.

In the coming week, these 50 special bells will be scattered across the community for anyone to find, keep, or pass along. The intention is that the bells serve as a daily reminder to Be Kind to your mind, body, and spirit. If you, or anyone you know comes across one, tag us on social media!

Our 50th anniversary is a moment in time for our organization to celebrate with the community for the ongoing support and their trust in us to provide compassionate care — that improves the quality of life for so many.

In addition to the 50 custom butterfly bells that will be spread across the community, we are also excited to share that COPE will be installing mosaic tile “Be Kind” murals at multiple COPE facilities. These murals will serve as powerful visual reminders of the importance of kindness in our work and our personal lives.

The creation and installation of these murals will completed in phases, with one or two COPE locations receiving a mural each year.

Staff at each location will have the opportunity to be hands-on with their mural creation and installation.

Together, through the creation of these special bells and murals, we are not only celebrating our 50-year journey but also reaffirming our commitment to an integrated approach that considers the body, mind, and spirit connection in all that we do.