Phoenix Valley Business Reviews

Compassionate care in a changing world

Healthcare is deeply personal. When you need medical attention—whether for a routine checkup or a life‑saving procedure—you want to know that you’re in hands that are both highly skilled and deeply caring. In Phoenix and its surrounding communities, HonorHealth has become synonymous with this blend of expertise and empathy. Born from the union of two long‑standing hospital systems, HonorHealth has evolved into one of Arizona’s largest nonprofit healthcare networks, serving millions of residents with a mission to improve health and well‑being. Yet the organization sees its role as more than treating illness; it seeks to elevate the overall health of communities through innovation, education and philanthropy.

This article takes an in‑depth look at HonorHealth’s origins, mission, services and impact. Whether you’re new to the Valley or a longtime resident considering your healthcare options, understanding the history and philosophy of this organization can guide your decisions and provide insight into how healthcare institutions shape our communities.

A unified system rooted in community

HonorHealth emerged in 2014 from the affiliation and subsequent merger of two respected healthcare networks: John C. Lincoln Health Network and Scottsdale Healthcare. While the combined company adopted a new name, it carried forward nearly a century and a half of collective history in serving the Valley. The merger created a locally owned, nonprofit, integrated system dedicated to providing personalized, connected, quality care with a focus on improving the health and well‑being of those it serves.

This unification brought together complementary strengths. John C. Lincoln Health Network originated in the late 1920s when the Desert Mission formed to help people who had traveled to Phoenix seeking relief from respiratory illnesses. Over the years the mission grew into a hospital and eventually expanded into a two‑hospital system, adding facilities like John C. Lincoln Medical Center and Deer Valley Medical Center. The organization championed community service and established one of the Valley’s first trauma centers.

Scottsdale Healthcare began in 1962 with a single hospital serving a population of just 10,000. It expanded to include multiple medical centers—including Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, Scottsdale Shea Medical Center and Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center—and developed one of the nation’s largest military trauma training programs. The network pioneered programs in cancer care, orthopedics and women’s health.

By combining resources, the new HonorHealth system leveraged a broader geographic reach, enhanced services and improved coordination of care. The merger allowed the organization to streamline operations while maintaining the local, community‑focused spirit of its predecessor institutions. Today, HonorHealth still operates with the values instilled by its founders: compassion, integrity and a commitment to serving all who need care.

Mission, vision and ICARE values

At the heart of HonorHealth is a clearly articulated mission: “to improve the health and well‑being of those we serve”. The vision builds on this foundation: “to be the partner of choice as we transform healthcare for our communities”. These statements are not corporate jargon; they guide decisions at every level of the organization—from bedside nurses to board members.

HonorHealth codifies its core values through the acronym ICARE, which stands for:

• Innovation – Keeping an open mind, embracing change and maintaining a creative mindset to continually improve the care provided.
• Collaboration – Building trust and partnering with others, within and across boundaries, to offer the best care and drive excellent outcomes.
• Accountability – Driving a spirit of excellence, stewardship and integrity in all actions.
• Respect – Treating others the way you would want to be treated.
• Empathy – Being vulnerable and seeking first to understand others so you can best meet their needs.

These values are woven into employee training, patient interactions and community initiatives. They remind team members that every decision—from medical treatments to administrative processes—should reflect creativity, teamwork, ethical stewardship, respect and genuine care for the human being behind every medical record.

An integrated network: hospitals, clinics and specialties

HonorHealth’s reach is extensive. Nine acute‑care hospitals anchor the system, providing emergency and specialized care to residents across the Phoenix metropolitan area and the city of Florence. These hospitals include legacy facilities like John C. Lincoln Medical Center and Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center as well as newer additions like Sonoran Crossing Medical Center. Each hospital serves distinct communities while adhering to the same high standards.

Beyond the hospitals, HonorHealth operates over 200 primary, specialty and urgent care locations. This network ensures that patients have convenient access to preventive care, diagnostic services, rehabilitation and chronic disease management. The medical group encompasses hundreds of physicians spanning a wide range of specialties—family medicine, cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, women’s health, pediatrics and more. This integrated approach promotes continuity of care; patient records and test results follow them through the system, reducing duplication and improving outcomes.

The organization employs more than 17,000 team members, including 4,000+ medical staff members and over 1,100 volunteers. The workforce is supported by advanced information technology, robust training programs and a culture that encourages collaboration across departments. For patients, this translates to seamless referrals, coordinated treatment plans and a feeling that everyone involved in their care is on the same page.

HonorHealth also houses a comprehensive cancer care network, multiple outpatient surgery centers, a behavioral health division and specialized programs in heart care, orthopedics and neurology. Services range from routine screenings to advanced surgeries and rehabilitation. The system’s flexibility allows it to respond quickly to emerging healthcare needs, whether during the COVID‑19 pandemic or in response to community health trends.

Patient care that feels different

Ask residents why they choose HonorHealth, and you’ll often hear some variation of “care feels different here.” HonorHealth explains that this sentiment arises from three key elements: teamwork that puts patients first, expertise delivered with a personal touch and investment in healthier communities.

Teamwork that puts you first

From emergency room physicians to receptionists, HonorHealth employees are trained to collaborate. This collaborative culture means doctors confer with specialists, nurses coordinate follow‑up care, and administrative staff ensure referrals and appointments run smoothly. Patients aren’t left to navigate the system alone; they benefit from teams working cohesively behind the scenes. Such coordination reduces wait times, prevents lost test results and fosters an environment where health professionals can focus on patient needs rather than administrative hurdles.

Expertise with a personal touch

HonorHealth brings together leading physicians, surgeons, researchers and educators. But what sets them apart is the combination of technical excellence with compassion. The organization emphasizes empathy: listening carefully, explaining diagnoses in plain language and involving patients in decision‑making. Whether you’re undergoing a complex surgery or visiting an urgent care clinic, you can expect staff who provide clear communication and genuine kindness. Many patients note that this personal attention eases anxiety and builds trust.

Investing in healthier communities

HonorHealth is a nonprofit system, which means revenue is reinvested into services, people and programs rather than distributed to shareholders. Each year, the organization designates nearly $500 million for charitable care and community benefit. This funding supports care for uninsured and underinsured patients, health education programs, community clinics and partnerships with local nonprofits. The goal is to ensure that high‑quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay.

HonorHealth’s community outreach includes mobile medical units, health fairs, free screenings, support groups and educational workshops. The organization also operates programs like the Desert Mission, continuing its legacy of serving vulnerable populations dating back to the 1920s. By addressing social determinants of health—such as food insecurity and access to transportation—HonorHealth works to improve health outcomes beyond hospital walls.

Research and innovation

Modern healthcare is as much about discovering new treatments as it is about delivering existing ones. HonorHealth’s Research Institute serves as a global destination for groundbreaking procedures and innovative treatment options. Located in Scottsdale, the institute partners with leading pharmaceutical companies, universities and research organizations to offer clinical trials and translational research. Areas of focus include cancer therapies, cardiology, neuroscience, orthopedics and wound care.

Participating in research allows HonorHealth patients to access cutting‑edge treatments before they become widely available. It also attracts top medical talent to the region. Moreover, research findings inform best practices across the network, ensuring that innovations are rapidly integrated into everyday care.

HonorHealth’s collaboration with Arizona State University’s John Schufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering underscores its commitment to training future healthcare leaders. Through this partnership, medical students and residents receive clinical training in HonorHealth facilities, fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals who understand the importance of community‑centered care. The collaboration also drives research in medical engineering and supports the development of new technologies that improve diagnosis and treatment.

Community investment and philanthropy

As a nonprofit, HonorHealth’s growth is closely tied to philanthropy. The HonorHealth Foundation invites individuals, families and businesses to support patient services, medical research and community programs. Donors can designate funds to areas such as cancer care, cardiovascular programs, neonatal care or behavioral health. Notably, 100 percent of every donation goes directly to the fund or service selected, maximizing impact.

HonorHealth also collaborates with local organizations to address pressing social issues. Initiatives include building community gardens, partnering with food banks, sponsoring health education events and funding scholarships for nursing students. Team members volunteer in the community, and the organization encourages employees to make personal commitments through the HonorHealth Ambassador Movement, which allows them to drive change by volunteering at nonprofits or participating in charity runs.

A rich history of compassionate care

Understanding HonorHealth’s present requires looking back at its roots.

The Desert Mission and the early days of John C. Lincoln

In the 1920s, Phoenix attracted individuals seeking relief from respiratory illnesses like tuberculosis. Many exhausted their savings to travel and found themselves living in makeshift camps on the edge of the city. Compassionate residents responded by forming the Desert Mission to provide food and medical care. The mission laid the groundwork for what would become John C. Lincoln Health Network. Entrepreneurs John C. and Helen Lincoln became involved after their own health journey brought them to Phoenix; they funded the construction of a medical clinic and emergency station that later evolved into a hospital. Through decades of growth and mergers, the network maintained a focus on serving those most in need.

Scottsdale Healthcare: responding to a growing community

The one‑story City Hospital of Scottsdale opened in 1962 to meet the needs of a small community of 10,000. As the population boomed, the hospital expanded and diversified, eventually becoming Scottsdale Healthcare. The organization built new hospitals, introduced specialized programs like the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center and established a nationally recognized military trauma training program. It earned a reputation for innovation and excellence in patient care.

The merger and new beginning

When the two networks merged, they combined decades of philanthropy, patient care and community service. The new HonorHealth name signified unity and a renewed commitment to honor the past while embracing the future. This heritage influences the system’s modern operations; many clinicians and administrators continue to reference the early mission when making decisions. The sense of history fosters a culture of compassion and reminds the organization that healthcare is ultimately about people.

What patients and families say

Patient experiences often provide the most meaningful feedback. While we cannot quote individuals directly, common themes emerge in reviews and testimonials. Patients frequently praise HonorHealth for the attentiveness and professionalism of its staff. They note that nurses, doctors and support personnel take time to explain procedures, answer questions and involve families in care decisions. People appreciate the respect and dignity afforded to them, regardless of whether they are receiving a routine mammogram or facing a life‑threatening illness.

Many families highlight the convenience of having multiple services under one umbrella. When a diagnosis requires follow‑up care, referrals to specialists or therapy, the transition is seamless within the HonorHealth system. Patients who have participated in clinical trials commend the research team for providing access to promising therapies and maintaining open communication throughout the process. Others speak positively about the volunteer programs and community events that help them connect with peers facing similar health challenges.

Choosing the right care: tips and considerations

Selecting a healthcare provider or system is a significant decision. As you consider your options, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Assess your needs – Do you need primary care for routine checkups, specialty care for a chronic condition or a hospital for acute care? HonorHealth’s broad network can cover all bases, but understanding your specific needs helps you choose the right locations and providers.
2. Check insurance coverage – Verify which hospitals and clinics are in your network. HonorHealth accepts a wide range of plans, but coverage details vary.
3. Consider convenience – With over 200 locations, there’s likely an HonorHealth facility near you. Think about proximity to your home or work, parking availability and office hours.
4. Evaluate quality and safety metrics – Research hospital rankings, patient satisfaction scores and safety records. HonorHealth is known for its trauma centers, cancer care and heart programs, but it’s wise to review data that matters to you.
5. Utilize patient resources – HonorHealth offers tools like MyChart for managing appointments, messaging providers and accessing test results. Leveraging technology can streamline your experience.
6. Meet with providers – Schedule meet‑and‑greets or consultations with primary care physicians or specialists. Feeling comfortable and understood is essential for effective healthcare.
7. Ask about support services – Inquire about support groups, nutrition counseling, rehabilitation programs or financial assistance. These resources can enhance your overall health journey.

Conclusion: honoring the past, transforming the future

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, HonorHealth stands as an example of how merging tradition with innovation can improve lives. Born from two legacy systems, it now operates nine acute‑care hospitals and more than 200 clinical locations, supported by 17,000 team members and thousands of volunteers. Its mission to improve the health and well‑being of those it serves and vision to be the partner of choice drive every strategic decision.



HonorHealth’s ICARE values—Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empathy—underscore a culture that prioritizes patients and strives for excellence in every interaction. Through its research institute, partnerships with universities and substantial community investment, the organization pushes the boundaries of what healthcare can be. At the same time, the stories of the Desert Mission and Scottsdale Healthcare remind staff and patients alike that compassion and service are at the center of this work.

For residents of the Phoenix area, HonorHealth offers more than hospitals and clinics; it offers a healthcare partner dedicated to caring for you and your community. Whether you’re scheduling a wellness exam, exploring treatment options or seeking volunteer opportunities, you’ll find an organization grounded in history, committed to innovation and guided by values that honor the dignity and diversity of those it serves.