The scholarship supports students of color who are entering dentistry careers to expand access to culturally representative oral health services statewide.

/PRNewswire/ -- Coordinated Care, Sea Mar Community Health Centers (Sea Mar), and the University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA and D) today named Diyanah Tribble as the first Sea Mar Community Health Centers-Coordinated Care scholarship recipient. The award, created through a combined $100,000 gift from Coordinated Care and Sea Mar, establishes an endowed fund within the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). This first selection highlights the partners shared goal of easing provider shortages and increasing diversity within Washington's dental workforce.

"Investing in a diverse group of healthcare professionals builds trust and improves equitable, high-quality services, particularly for Apple Health members who often encounter greater health gaps," said Coordinated Care President and CEO Beth Johnson. "Coordinated Care values its work with Sea Mar and UW to launch this endowment, which will help create a dental workforce that better mirrors the state population. We celebrate our first scholar and look forward to the lasting impact these future professionals will have on inclusive care."

Diyanah Tribble, a first-generation UW student majoring in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and planning a career in pediatric dentistry, received the inaugural award. She demonstrates leadership through her roles in Sigma Psi Zeta, as social chair of Delta Epsilon Mu, and as a volunteer at the Seattle Humane Shelter. Her academic success and community focus have also earned her recognition as an EOP Recognition Scholar.

"I am proud to be the first Sea Mar Community Health Centers-Coordinated Care Scholar," said Diyanah Tribble. "My time at UW has strengthened both my studies and my personal growth, giving me the confidence and empathy needed for my goals. I plan to become a pediatric dentist who expands culturally responsive, bilingual oral care for underserved families. This support from Coordinated Care, Sea Mar, and UW brings me closer to serving communities in meaningful ways."

Recent Washington Smile Survey data show that children from lower-income homes and communities of color face notable gaps in oral health because of limited care access, leading to higher rates of dental disease. The scholarship helps build a more diverse group of dentists who reflect and serve the state's varied populations.

"Representation among providers is a key factor in quality care," said Rogelio Riojas, President and CEO of Sea Mar Community Health Centers. "When patients see themselves in their caregivers, trust grows and outcomes improve. This scholarship directly supports fairer oral health services across Washington, and we are pleased to advance this effort."

With 49 percent of the state's healthcare workers considering leaving the field soon, such scholarships play a vital role in sustaining the workforce and improving access for underserved groups.

"We appreciate the collaboration with Coordinated Care and Sea Mar Community Health Centers to promote student achievement and community wellness," said Rickey Hall, Vice President of OMA and D at the University of Washington. "The scholarship reduces financial obstacles, guides students toward rewarding healthcare paths, and supports talent that mirrors the populations we serve."

UW students who wish to apply may contact the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity for details.

About Coordinated Care
Coordinated Care delivers free and low-cost coverage to more than 300,000 Medicaid, foster care, Medicare, and marketplace members throughout Washington, supported by a network of over 30,000 providers. The organization focuses on transforming community health one person at a time by removing barriers to care and guiding members through benefits. Coordinated Care operates as a Washington managed care organization and a subsidiary of Centene Corporation.

About the UW Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA and D)
For 58 years, OMA and D has advanced access and equity at the University of Washington. The office builds pathways for diverse students to enter higher education, supports their academic progress, and fosters an inclusive campus environment. Each year it serves more than 7,200 students, reaching one in four undergraduates on the Seattle campus, while its outreach programs engage 40,000 prospective students across 115 school districts.

About Sea Mar Community Health Centers
Sea Mar Community Health Centers is a community-based provider of comprehensive health and human services for underserved populations in Washington. Established in 1978, it operates more than 100 medical, dental, behavioral health, and social service sites, offering care regardless of ability to pay. Sea Mar delivers integrated, culturally responsive services that address the whole person and connect patients to insurance enrollment, behavioral health support, health education, and social resources.

SOURCE Coordinated Care