Coordinated Care partnered with the Seattle Seahawks to host the third annual “Strong Youth Strong Communities” Summit at Lumen Field on May 12. The event brought together hundreds of youth from across Washington for a day focused on building connection, reducing stigma around mental health, and helping students develop skills to navigate challenges.
The summit is part of Mental Health Awareness Month and aims to address the ongoing youth mental health crisis in Washington. According to Coordinated Care, early intervention and support systems are crucial as many adolescents face significant mental health challenges each year.
Seahawks legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Jones headlined the event alongside fellow Hall of Famer Warren Moon, Seahawks Legends Garry Gilliam and Marcus Trufant, and former University of North Carolina basketball star Iman McFarland. “We’re incredibly proud to host this youth summit, now in its third year, during Mental Health Awareness Month to empower Washington’s next generation with the tools, confidence, and support they need to maintain healthy, positive connections,” said Coordinated Care President and CEO Beth Johnson. Johnson also said that hearing messages championed by athletes helps bring lessons about connection and belonging to life.
Jones spoke about his personal experience with having a strong support system: “I know firsthand how important it is to have a support system in your corner that believes in you and supports you along your journey – it makes all the difference.” He added: “Programs like SYSC are giving students that same, critical foundation by building confidence, creating meaningful connections, and showing our young people that having the courage to ask for help when they need it is a sign of true strength. I’m honored to partner with Coordinated Care on this work and bring this message of hope and resilience to Washington’s future leaders.”
More than 300 students ages 11-14 attended from various middle schools including Triumph Teen Center; Mt. Baker Middle School; Gray Middle School; Chief Leschi School; Meridian Middle School; Evergreen Middle School; Sacajawea Middle School; and TAF@Sahalie Middle School. The program included interactive sessions designed for dialogue about student challenges as well as strategies for strengthening mental well-being both inside classrooms and beyond.
Coordinated Care provides free or low-cost insurance coverage through Medicaid, foster care programs, Medicare plans or marketplace options for over 300,000 members across Washington state. The organization says its approach goes beyond medical treatment by addressing social drivers of health outcomes through community investment.
