Community Blog
Posted by The MolinaCares Accord

Molina Healthcare of Utah Supports Utah Students Through Back-to-School Events 

As students across Utah returned to the classroom this fall, Molina Healthcare of Utah (Molina) joined community partners in Washington and St. George to help families prepare…

As students across Utah returned to the classroom this fall, Molina Healthcare of Utah (Molina) joined community partners in Washington and St. George to help families prepare for a healthy and successful school year.  

For many families, preparing for a new school year can place added strain on household budgets. Utah families are expected to spend roughly $4,000 on average preparing for the return to the classroom. Through partnerships with local organizations and schools, Molina helped ease that burden by connecting Southern Utah students and families with school supplies, health resources, and other essential support ahead of the first day of school.

Molina kicked off its back-to-school efforts on August 1 by supporting The Salvation Army’s Back to School Bash in Washington County. The event brought local families together in one place to access essentials, including pencil bags provided by Molina, while connecting with other neighborhood resources and taking advantage of free haircuts. In the lead up to the event, Molina worked closely with The Salvation Army to organize the resource fair and invite local partners to participate, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting children and families across the community.  

Just a few days later, Molina partnered with Utah Family Connections  to host a back-to-school event at the St. George Library. Families received bags of school supplies and boxed lunches to enjoy in the park, while children decorated 100 pencil boxes provided by Molina. The event offered families another opportunity to come together, connect with local support, and receive supplies for the months ahead. 

The momentum continued in St. George, where Molina and The MolinaCares Accord partnered with Paradise Canyon Elementary for its Back-to-School Night. MolinaCares donated 228 pairs of new shoes and socks to be distributed to students. The Washington School District Foundation matched the donation so that all 430 students in the school could receive a new pair of shoes.  On the first day of school, students arrived proudly wearing their new shoes – a simple example of how everyday essentials can make a meaningful difference for children and families. 

A strong start to the school year begins with making sure students have the everyday essentials they need to show up ready to learn. By working alongside local schools and community organizations, Molina is helping ease some of the financial pressure families face while connecting students with practical support that can help them feel comfortable and confident in the classroom.  

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