The MolinaCares Accord Provides $100,000 Grant to Address Health Equity and Improve Health Outcomes in Washington
Caroline Zubieta, Caroline.Zubieta@molinahealthcare.com, 562-951-1588
Spokane, Wash., April 5, 2022 – The Molina Cares Accord (“MolinaCares”), together with Molina Healthcare of Washington (“Molina”), donated $100,000 to Excelsior Wellness (“Excelsior”) in support of programs designed to help at-risk youth and families better navigate the complex education and health care systems to improve their quality of life.
“We are proud to support Excelsior in promoting greater equity within the systems that have the biggest impact on underserved communities – education and health care,” said Dr. Jay Fathi, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Washington. “This effort aligns with MolinaCares’ mission to improve the health and lives of people in the communities we serve.”
The grant will support Excelsior’s Mobile Engagement and Evaluation Team (MEET), which leverages certified peer specialists to deliver a person- and family-centered wellness and recovery models for youth with behavioral health needs. MolinaCares’ funding will enable MEET to increase certified peer specialist capacity by 20%.
Grant funding will also support the Excelsior Equity Scholarship Fund, which provides opportunities to people of color who are enrolled in advanced degree programs in the fields of education, criminal justice, and health care. When combined with the Excelsior Foundation’s match, MolinaCares’ donation will fund 12 scholarships for students in need.
Both efforts aim to combat alarming statistics revealed in studies of minority representation within the health care industry. A recent George Washington University study showed that in 2019, of the ten health care professions tracked, both Latino and Black populations were underrepresented in every one of them.
“This support from MolinaCares comes at a critical time when the Spokane region is experiencing capacity shortages related to behavioral health services,” said Andrew Hill, CEO of Excelsior Wellness. “MEET Excelsior’s engagement infrastructure will support more youth and families navigating long waitlists for health care services, and the scholarship will help improve equity in higher education for racial and ethnic minorities. Both efforts are integral to our evolving healthcare system.”
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of Washington
Molina Healthcare of Washington has been providing government-funded health care for over 20 years. The Company serves members through Medicaid, Medicare and the Health Benefit Exchange programs throughout Washington. Additionally, Molina Healthcare of Washington operates a primary care clinic in Everett (MyHealth Everett) and a mobile health unit (MyHealth Mobile) in the Spokane area. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 5.2 million members as of December 31, 2021. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Washington, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Excelsior Wellness
Excelsior Wellness is a nonprofit corporation supporting multiple organizations connected through a common purpose. We are a homegrown healthcare system where professionals integrate to provide balanced whole-person care. We offer a comprehensive continuum of education, behavioral health, primary care, social and human services holistically rooted in the eight dimensions of wellness. Our broad network of collaborating providers is committed to empowering students, individuals, and families to live and stay well. We are committed to a person-centered, holistic, and Trauma-informed Approach. We advocate ending multi-system involvement for individuals and families. For more information about Excelsior Wellness and member organizations, visit ExcelsiorWellness.org.