Coordinated Care Supports Future Behavioral Health Workforce with Community Scholarships for Local Students

Date: 09/28/23

TACOMA, Wash. (Sept. 28, 2023) – Coordinated Care is proud to announce the 10 organizations receiving 2023 Community Scholarships. This is part of the health plan's efforts to reinvest dollars into Washington communities. Designed with an equity lens, the Coordinated Care Community Scholarship is about partnering with expert organizations who are skilled at supporting first-generation, BIPOC and underrepresented students seeking healthcare professions.

The following 2023 recipients offer degrees and programs in behavioral health—a focus for Coordinated Care as they respond to the needs of their providers and members.

• Eastern Washington University, Spokane, School of Psychology
• Edmonds College, Lynnwood, mental health technician and addiction studies
• Centralia College, Centralia, for behavioral health bachelor’s degree students
• Columbia Basin College, Richland, community health and social work
• Grays Harbor College, Aberdeen, chemical dependency program
• Heritage University, Toppenish, social work program
• Lower Columbia College, Longview, substance use disorder studies
• Peninsula Community College, Port Angeles, addiction studies and behavioral health
• Tacoma Community College, Tacoma
• Washington Therapy Fund, Seattle

"We continue building our community scholarship initiative to support Washingtonians pursuing careers in healthcare and in turn meet the needs of our communities," said Beth Johnson, president and CEO at Coordinated Care. "This year we focused on supporting behavioral health programs, as we recognized the demand in our local communities. Treating the whole person is critical to Coordinated Care's mission, and we know systemic solutions lie in strong partnerships."

The Coordinated Care Community Scholarship was created to address the declining number of people entering healthcare careers. After a successful pilot with two schools in 2021, Coordinated Care expanded the program by 400% in 2022 with partners across every region in Washington and funds provided to nearly 300 students. The grants are used for traditional scholarships, for emergency use (such as rent, childcare and transportation) or for costs like exam fees which can unexpectedly derail earning a degree or certificate.

For more information about how Coordinated Care is investing in solutions across Washington, visit CoordinatedCarehealth.com/about-us/community.

###