Molina Healthcare of Washington Grants $10,000 to NEW Health for Job Training Program Scholarships
SEATTLE, Wash., May 12, 2026 –Molina Healthcare of Washington (“Molina”) has announced a $10,000 grant to NEW Health, a federally qualified health center (FQHC) serving communities in Northeast Washington. The funding will support scholarships at NEW Health University, an initiative that empowers rural youth and employees through training and education to strengthen Washington’s health care workforce.
In Washington, 30 out of 39 counties are classified as whole or partial health professional shortage areas for primary care. Additionally, projections indicate that Washington may experience shortages of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses through 2030, underscoring the need for additional workforce supports, such as those provided by NEW Health University.
“Building Washington’s rural health care workforce takes a multi-faceted approach,” said Dini Pavlock, director of field operations at NEW Health. “With Molina’s assistance, we can open doors to new health care careers while also helping current NEW Health employees build new skills and advance in ways that address critical gaps in care.”
NEW Health University provides multiple health care career pathways, including dental assistant, medical assistant pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship, and pharmacy technician programs. Molina’s collaboration will support scholarships for the 2026 cohort, providing educational opportunities within the local community. Upon successful completion of select programs, participants commit to two years of employment with NEW Health, supporting a more stable rural health care workforce.
“The future of rural health care relies on education tailored to the needs of local practitioners,” said Dr. Jay Fathi, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Washington. “By investing in resources that connect students and professionals with health care education, NEW Health University offers a professional step forward and an opportunity to administer care with confidence, and Molina is deeply invested in closing workforce gaps across the state.”
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About Molina Healthcare of Washington
Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Washington. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Washington, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About NEW Health
The mission of NEW Health is to promote health and wellness within our communities by providing integrated, open-access healthcare for all. NEW Health offers primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for residents of Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties.
NEW Health locations include Chewelah Medical; Colville Medical and Dental; Lake Spokane Medical and Dental; Loon Lake Medical; Newport Medical and Dental; Selkirk Medical; Springdale Medical and Dental.
NEW Health is an equal opportunity provider and employer.