A Letter from Our CEO
Dear Neighbors,
As I reflect on my first year as President and CEO of TMC Health, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have welcomed me and my family with such warmth and generosity. From our dedicated staff, physicians and volunteers to our community partners, donors, and patients—you’ve made me feel immediately at home in this remarkable organization and in Southern Arizona.
This year’s Report to the Community is more than a summary of accomplishments. It is a reflection of our shared commitment to compassionate care, innovation and health equity. From expanding services in Cochise County and launching new pediatric programs, to modernizing our Emergency Department and investing in tomorrow’s health care workforce—TMC Health is moving forward with purpose. Additionally, in 2024, TMC Health and a group of oncologists and surgeons came together to create the TMC Health Cancer Center, which launched in April 2025, positioning TMC Health to serve the oncology needs of the community for years to come.
What inspires me most is the spirit of collaboration and the unwavering belief that health care should be accessible, exceptional, and centered on people. That belief fuels our momentum and sets the tone for our future.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership and your belief in what we are building—together. I am honored to serve this community and energized for the future ahead.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Mendrzycki President & CEO, TMC Health
Walk In My Shoes
This is a hands-on initiative in which TMC Health executives, including TMC Health President and CEO Jennifer Mendrzycki and Tucson Medical Center CEO Mimi Coomler, spend time working alongside employees across the system. From the emergency departments to laundry services, surgery and pastoral care, leaders gain a direct
understanding of the daily challenges and triumphs faced by their teams. “By experiencing the work firsthand, we build stronger connections with staff and uncover real opportunities to improve operations, morale, and patient care—ensuring that decisions are informed by those who live the mission every day,” said Mendryzcki.
Patient care becomes more efficient in Emergency Department phase one renovation
Tucson Medical Center reached major milestones in two projects aimed at improving patient care in its adult and pediatric emergency departments. The first phase of a three-phase, $27-million project to renovate the adult emergency department is now complete. Patients and staff are now using the new space, which includes 18 private rooms with three designed for major medical cases. The new space is more efficient for staff which leads to more improved patient care and patients have a better experience in private rooms. Phases 2 and 3 will further build out the rest of the emergency department into a “racetrack” design which will extend these benefits to the entire emergency department.
racetrack design million $12 major medical rooms 3 private rooms 18 Phase 1
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“We are excited because we can provide more efficient, safer care to our community in new state-of-the-art rooms.”
- Nichole Pelan, manager of patient care services
Thanks to the generosity of an estate gift from TMC Health Foundation donor George J. O’Leary, the Pediatric Emergency Department has been improved. This includes three exam rooms and a new admitting and triage area designed to look like a submarine to complement existing under-the-sea murals by local artist Joe Pagac. kids served annually 25,000
The Emergency Department Improvement Capital Campaign is being led by the TMC Health Foundation. Naming opportunities are available to recognize your generosity while helping us enhance lifesaving care for our community. Contact Deb Dale, CFRE for more information. deb.dale@tmcaz.com or (520) 324-2501
TMC Health unveils advanced pediatric Sim Lab to enhance medical training
TMC’s new Pediatric Sim Lab enables health care professionals from across Southern Arizona to practice critical pediatric-care techniques in a risk-free environment. The lab is the only Pediatric Sim Lab in Southern Arizona. By providing a controlled setting for hands-on training, the lab ensures medical teams can develop and refine their skills, ultimately improving pediatric patient outcomes.
“This simulation unit represents a critical investment in pediatric health care education.”
- Kara Snyder, TMC associate chief nursing officer
gift from the Tucson Centurions $600,000 pediatric medical training state-of-the-art facility
New sensory room provides calming haven for neurodiverse pediatric patients
At TMC for Children, a new sensory space offers a soothing retreat for young patients with special sensory needs. The room provides a respite from the clinical environment. The sensory room features engaging elements such as a trampoline, full-body rocking chair, colorful lights and a starry ceiling. These carefully designed tools create a calm environment specifically tailored to neurodiverse children.
availability 24/7 grant from Angel Charity for Children $65,000
“Angel Charity for Children is honored to support a place where neurodiverse children can find comfort, healing, and support.”
- Kellie Terhune Neely, Angel Charity 2024 general chair
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TMC Rincon delivers first baby!
TMC Rincon welcomed its first baby Jan. 20 in its newly-opened Labor & Delivery unit when Aviana Grace Fay Heartfield was born to parents Kendra and Antwon. “We really strive to make patients feel like part of the team and that they are cared for,” said Dr. Gayle Dean, TMC Rincon medical director and obstetrician delivering Aviana. labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms 6
obstetrical services 24/7
preparation for childbirth and breastfeeding classes, and lactation support
“Overall it’s been a great experience—seamless. It was very comforting being able to stay in the same room.”
- Kendra Heartfield
Improving Community Health Through the 340B Program
TMC Health and its hospitals participate in the federal 340B program, which provides discounted medications to hospitals that care for large numbers of financially vulnerable patients. The savings generated through this program are reinvested into our community through many of the initiatives highlighted in this report—from the expansion of our Tucson Medical Center Emergency Department renovation to the charity care provided across the TMC Health system.
340B savings have also enabled the growth of our outpatient pharmacy program, including the addition of a nurse practitioner who supports patients newly diagnosed with diabetes. For those unable to afford insulin, the TMC Pharmacy provides a 30-day supply at no cost. Similarly, patients being discharged from the hospital who cannot
afford their prescribed medications receive them free of charge— helping to prevent complications and readmissions.
Through 340B, TMC Health continues to advance its mission to make care more accessible, equitable, and compassionate for all those we serve across Southern Arizona.
“These savings directly support TMC Health’s charity care initiatives and fund vital community outreach programs.”
- Claudia Koreny, director of TMC Pharmacy
TMCOne pilots new digital assistant to increase provider time with patients
TMCOne introduced the Dragon Ambient eXperience Copilot in 2024. With the patient’s permission, DAX uses AI-generated ambient listening to cut physician paperwork up to 50%. With the new software, TMCOne has increased the number of appointments available without decreasing provider time with patients. The program will lead to improvements in clinical efficiency as well as physician and patient satisfaction.
Doctors simply have a conversation with the patient and focus on the patient, while DAX records the conversation and automatically creates clinical documents and summaries.
“TMC Health’s decision to pursue AI software gives back time to our providers to do the art of healing.”
- Josh Lee, M.D., TMC Chief Health Information Officer
Workforce development through community partnerships
Southern Arizona’s growing communities need a strong healthcare workforce and accessible career pathways for youth. The new Pima JTED Mel and Enid Zuckerman Center for Health and Medical Careers helps meet this need by offering training programs for licensed nursing assistants, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and more. TMC Health and the TMC Health Foundation are proud to support this initiative through funding for the TMC Health Simulation Laboratory. Thanks to this strong partnership, high school students gain hands-on training, real-world hospital experience, and industry-recognized certifications.
Northern Cochise Community Hospital has similar programs, too: Introduction to Medical Professions, designed to spark interest and provide a broad overview, and the more specialized Patient Care Technician (PCT) class. Launched just two years ago, it is designed to address health care needs in Cochise County. A crucial component of this program is the connection to Tucson Medical Center, which not only contributes to the curriculum’s development but also provides vital hands-on skills training and a clinical site for our aspiring PCTs.
Allied health professionals are essential to quality, comprehensive care.
Addressing critical needs, one diaper at a time
Benson Hospital and Northern Cochise Community Hospital have teamed up with the Arizona Diaper Bank to address a critical need that reaches beyond hospital walls—diapers for both children and adults. Since 2020, Benson Hospital has distributed more than 50,000 diapers. The first NCCH diaper bank opened in Willcox last summer, and by November it was serving nearly 60 individuals of all ages and distributing about 3,000 products monthly, including diapers, wipes, underwear, pads, period kits and other related items. NCCH has since opened a second diaper bank in the remote community of San Simon, providing support to an area with an older population and economic challenges.
Together, Benson Hospital and NCCH are now distributing about 7,000 diapers and related supplies each month. of children in Cochise County live at or below poverty level 20% diapers distributed in Benson since 2020 50,000
Growing the care network in Cochise County
Patient services at Benson Hospital and Northern Cochise Community Hospital (NCCH) saw significant growth in 2024, creating a stronger, more connected health care network in Cochise County. This allows patients to receive a variety of services closer to home that previously required travel to Tucson.
NCCH
• Extended rehabilitation services to include outpatient physical therapy and pelvic-floor physical therapy
• Extended hours for outpatient X-ray to 8 p.m.
Benson Hospital
• Expanded cardiac rehabilitation program, doubling sessions from two to four days per week
• Opened a new specialty clinic and increased the number of specialists to 18, covering seven specialties
• Expanded the Rural Navigator program to include Copper Queen and NCCH, helping patients get follow-up care after being discharged from the Emergency Department
“By working together, we are expanding access, enhancing services and ensuring that patients receive high-quality care close to home.”
-
Gary Kartchner, CEO of Benson Hospital and NCCH
Making a difference in our community
TMC for Women provided free breast screenings to those without insurance, including 38 digital screenings, and 9 diagnostic mammograms and biopsies.
Volunteers
878
TMC provided surplus equipment valued at more than $64,000 to area nonprofits.
Unmeasurable dedication and commitment
Mark Baggin, Unit Clerk (retired) and daughter Sarah Cooper, RN Manager
Nancy Mattingly, Director Emergency Services (retired) and daughter Candi Skillings, IS dept.
Dr. Ronald A Goodsite, pediatrics (retired) and daughter Amy Bruno, TMCOne finance dept.
Susan Thompson, Pharmacist and children
Melanie Asselin, Clinical Pharmacy Technician and David Slinger, Lab Technician
Dr Edward Schneider (retired), wife Margaretta Schneider, RN (retired) and daughter Kyndal Schneider, RN
Joyce Drozd, RN, TC-3 Program and the ID card for her grandmother Marie Drozd, TMC RN in the 1950s
Jenna Wissinger, LPN and sister Nicole Wissinger, LPN
Erica Murphy, RN and daughter Lani Baker, TMC Health Foundation Board of Trustees
TMCOne earns recognition from the AMA Commitment to training our providers
TMCOne is proud to receive bronze-level recognition as a Joy in Medicine™ health organization from the American Medical Association, honoring organizations committed to improving physician well-being and reducing work-related burnout. TMCOne earned this distinction for fostering a supportive, efficient and teamdriven practice environment, and its dedication to physician wellness and excellence in patient care.
Arizona health systems recognized 2
Since 1963, the TMC Health Medical Education Program has shaped the future of health care by providing top-tier training to physicians and medical professionals across Tucson and the Southwest.
This year, TMC Health supported 53 residents across three ACGMEaccredited programs: Internal Medicine (25), Pediatrics (15), and Transitional Year (13). We also trained four Pharmacy residents and one Structural Heart Fellow, reflecting our commitment to interdisciplinary education.
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics are increasing the number of residents in the program. By academic year 2027–2028, Internal Medicine will have 30 residents, and Pediatrics will have 18. In 2024, TMC Health received Initial Accreditation for a new Neurology Residency Program, which will begin in July 2026. These expansions demonstrate our growth in response to regional health care needs.
In addition to the residency programs, THMEP administered continuing education credits to more than 830 learners, including 620 physicians.
2024 Recognitions for Excellence
Best Birthing Center: Tucson Medical Center
Best Emergency Room: Tucson Medical Center
Best Women’s Center: TMC for Women
Best Urgent Care: TMCOne
Best Infusion Center: TMC Infusion Center
Best Pediatric Emergency Room: Tucson Medical Center
Best Pain Management Center: TMC Integrated Pain Center
Best Non-Profit Gift Shop: TMC Teal Saguaro Best Medical Provider: Benson Hospital Best Place to Work: Benson Hospital Physical and Occupational Therapy: Benson Hospital
Business of the Year Award: TMC Rincon
Website Campaign
Best Hospital Tucson Medical Center
Foundation director CDO letter
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the new Chief Development Officer of the TMC Health Foundation, it is both an honor and a privilege to introduce myself to you—our generous, dedicated community of donors, partners, and champions for local health care.
I am so proud to now be an “official” part of the TMC Health family. Like so many in Southern Arizona, TMC Health has been part of my life for many years. I’ve been a patient, a longtime volunteer, and I’m also the daughter of a physician who brought me along on rounds as a child. Hospitals have always felt like places of hope to me— inspiring, full of compassion, and powered by cutting-edge care.
In my short time here, that belief has only deepened. As I’ve seen the inner workings of our system—our hospitals, clinics, and teams—the mission of “providing exceptional care with compassion” isn’t just a slogan. It’s something I witness every single day.
And so much of what makes that possible is you. Whether you bought a Mega Raffle ticket, attended the Healing Harmony concert series, gave through your IRA or Donor Advised Fund, or supported one of our signature events like the Gala or Radiothon—your generosity made an impact.
Because of you, the TMC Health Foundation continues to support critical initiatives, empower caregivers, and invest in patient-centered programs and advanced technology. The progress you see in this report is a reflection of your commitment to making health care better—for everyone.
Though I’m new to this role, I deeply believe that health care is a shared responsibility—and a profoundly human one. I look forward to
building on the strong foundation before me and to partnering with you to advance hope, healing, and innovation.
Together, we’ll push further, dream bigger, and deepen our impact.
Thank you for the warm welcome and for the trust you place in us every day. Here’s to a healthy, hopeful future for all.
With gratitude,
Deb Dale, CFRE Vice President & Chief Development Officer TMC Health Foundation
TMC Health Foundation 2024 support funding
TMC Health Foundation revenues are generated through generous contributions from individual donors, business partners, corporate and family foundations, donor-advised funds, IRA distributions, bequests, and other estate gifts.
Children’s wing capital needs
$5,000,000
Children’s programs
Total $14,583,063
$2,411,807
$2,187,505
Department renovation
*Other incudes support of 2% or less for: hospice programs; Rich With Life Park capital needs; employee scholarships, training, and assistance programs; women’s health programs; and Healing Arts.
Generous estate gift embodies the ‘Soule’ of TMC
John Soule was known for his kindness, compassion and dedication to Tucson Medical Center—a legacy he left behind when he retired in 2000.
“I had the pleasure of working with John many years ago,” said Michelle Beres, administrative director of financial revenue and information services at TMC. “During my tenure overseeing the HIM department, John served as a transcriptionist. He was a delightful colleague. I can still vividly recall the ever-present smile on his face.”
Though Soule passed away in January 2024, his legacy lives on at TMC. Through a planned gift, Soule designated a percentage of his estate— more than $300,000—to benefit the TMC Health Foundation.
“John’s generous donation to the Foundation is a testament to the familylike environment at TMC, where he felt valued and respected,” Beres said. “His contribution is a significant gift that underscores his lasting impact on our community.”
Soule and his gift will be recognized in the Emergency Department renovation. The new dictation/transcribing space within the department will be named in his memory.
“Giving gifts through your estate or will is an easy and impactful way to leave your mark on the things you care most about,” said, Deb Dale, CFRE, vice president and chief development officer, TMC Health Foundation.
If you are interested in learning more about planned giving, please reach out to Heidi Hultquist, director of Major Gifts, (520) 324-3717 or Heidi.Hultquist@tmcaz.com.
“This is a beautiful example of estate gifts, creating a lasting impact beyond a donor’s lifetime.”
- Deb Dale, vice president and chief development officer, TMC Health Foundation
Honoring Colette Landeen’s legacy at TMC Hospice
For over a decade, Colette Landeen was a pillar of the TMC Hospice volunteer program. As a homecare volunteer, she formed meaningful relationships with homebound patients.
Landeen’s compassion was most profoundly evident in her dedication to patients during their final moments. She played an instrumental role in developing TMC Hospice’s By Your Side vigil program—an initiative ensuring that no patient faces their last moments alone.
Beyond the hours she spent by patients’ sides, her impact continues in the legacy she wished to leave at TMC Hospice. Her husband, Jonathon, has made a contribution to the TMC Health Foundation to establish a mobile education program for in-home hospice caregivers. This program will provide essential training to empower families to care for their loved ones with confidence and compassion.
Colette Landeen’s influence extends far beyond those she personally touched—her vision and kindness have helped shape a lasting framework of care and support, ensuring dignity and comfort for patients and families for years to come.
Patience, compassion, humor, tact, empathy...
These are the qualities you need to be a TC-3 community resource navigator, said Deb Dale, TMC Health Foundation vice president and chief development officer. The Tucson Collaboration Community Care, or TC-3, is a Tucson Fire Department and TMC Health partnership which offers resources to those who don’t know about other options besides calling 911.
Many people call 911 for non-emergencies because they don’t know who else can help. This results in a loss of critical emergency service resources. TC-3 mitigates unnecessary 911 calls and redirects these callers to more appropriate resources.
“I was amazed at the team’s ability to connect with and provide support for our fellow community members. The people we visited were so grateful, and the navigators were so effective. This is a big win-win-win.”
- Deb Dale after a ride-along with a TC-3 team
Playtime as therapy for children of all abilities
A new playground at TMC Pediatric Therapy combines playtime with therapy time to help patients work on their rehabilitation goals. The indoor playground features elements that are fun and functional, providing a happy space for children with a range of diagnoses and abilities to integrate sensory and motor activities which helps improve attention and language development.
Funds for this $775,000 project were raised by Panda Express and its employees through the Panda Cares program, which fundraises year-round for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
“We are incredibly thankful for the partnership we have with Panda Express,” said Deb Dale, vice president and chief development officer, TMC Health Foundation. “Thanks to their support, the new playground at TMC Pediatric Therapy is a place where children can grow, play and thrive.”
“The Panda Cares Center of Hope playground has added another vital dimension to caring for our children at TMC Pediatric Therapy.”
- Teri Flanagan, manager of Rehabilitation Services, TMC Outpatient Therapy
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A year of events supporting the TMC Health Foundation
TMC Health Foundation Gala
The 2024 gala, 80 Years: A Color Spectacular, honored both the 20th anniversary of the Gala and the 80th anniversary of TMC. The Gala, presented by Arizona Inpatient Medicine Associates, hosted over 750 donors. Combined with the paddle raise, sponsorships and other donations already received, $1.1 million was raised to support the multimillion-dollar renovation of the TMC emergency departments.
Love Lights
TMC Hospice Love Lights brought together a record 200 people to the grounds of our inpatient hospice unit, Peppi’s House. The evening of remembrance was capped off by lighting a holiday tree, with lights signifying loved ones lost but not forgotten. Sponsored by Desert Toyota, Love Lights raised $35,000 to support the Family Assistance Fund at TMC Hospice.
Boots & Bling
The Northern Cochise Community Hospital in Willcox held its 12th annual Boots & Bling in September, bringing together more than 200 people to support the rural hospital. The evening included a prime rib dinner from a local farm, a live and silent auction, and dancing to a live band. The event raised nearly $158,000 to support upgrades to the NCCH outdoor infrastructure to enhance safety and accessibility for patients, visitors and the community.
CMN Hook-n-Slice Play Yellow Golf Tournament
The Hook-n-Slice Play Yellow Golf Tournament, held in December at the scenic El Conquistador Golf Course in Oro Valley, brought together over 200 golfers to enjoy the beautiful weather and raise more than $76,000 for TMC pediatric care.
CMN Radiothon
The two-day annual Radiothon on KMXZ MixFm and KCMT La Caliente last December raised more than $235,000 to support pediatric care.
Jim Click Automotive was the title sponsor, and Mr. Click dedicated his Friday morning to answering calls, engaging with listeners and encouraging his network to donate. The Radiothon highlighted inspiring stories from TMC’s pediatric patients and their families, motivating the Southern Arizona community to come together and contribute to this vital cause.
Children’s Miracle Network changes kids’ health, changes the future
For 40 years, TMC for Children has proudly partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) to advance a shared mission: changing kids’ health to change the future. Since its founding, CMN Hospitals has raised over $9 billion to support 170 children’s hospitals across North America—including TMC for Children, Southern Arizona’s leading provider of pediatric care.
What makes this partnership especially powerful is that every dollar raised through our CMN partners for TMC for Children stays right here in our community. These contributions fund pediatric equipment, Child Life services and financial support for families facing hardship. It’s easy to support the life-changing care provided at TMC for Children through in-store fundraising efforts at our local CMN retail partners.
Support TMC for Children at our retail partners year-round
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CMN Child of the Year, Miles, answers a donor call during the Radiothon.
TMC Health Community Benefits Report 2024
316,000
14,040
11,896
Front cover, from left: Roxanne Bacon – Radiology, Christopher Davis – RN, Clara G Lovell – Community Member, Brittany Farrar – RN, Nichol Marr – Physical Therapy Assistant, Clara Lovell, Communications Specialist and baby Evan Silva, Deniza Contreras – PCT, David Slinger – Lab Tech, Luca Miller - Community Member Alonso Garcia-Estrada, Community Member, Kathleen Polignone – RN, Carmen Morales – Physical Therapy Assistant, Bruce Tucker - Volunteer.
