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Coordinated Care and Seattle Seahawks Legend Walter Jones Partner to Tackle Youth Social Isolation During National No One Eats Alone Day

Date: 02/21/25

TACOMA, Wash. (Feb. 21, 2025) – Coordinated Care, a Washington managed care organization and wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) is partnering with Seattle Seahawks Hall of Famer Walter Jones to celebrate No One Eats Alone Day on February 21 at TAF@Saghalie–a STEM-focused, project-based-learning school serving students from 6-12th grade in Federal Way. The program, created by the nonprofit Beyond Differences, is one of many across Washington and thousands across the country designed to end social isolation and promote connection among students.

"It's clear that social isolation significantly impacts children's mental health and well-being," said Coordinated Care President and CEO Beth Johnson. "That's why we are proud to partner with Walter Jones, Beyond Differences, and local schools to offer this proven, preventative curriculum. By encouraging connections and teaching valuable social skills, we can make our schools, homes and communities safer and more supportive for our youth."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, social isolation and loneliness put a person at risk of developing serious mental and physical health conditions. The former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy pointed to Beyond Differences and its peer-to-peer support programs that help build connection, self-esteem, and a culture of belonging at schools. Beyond Differences has been providing free Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum and programs to schools since it was founded in 2010.

"I'm thrilled to join Coordinated Care in their mission to support kids across the state–giving them the tools they need to connect with each other and build resilience early in life," said Seattle Seahawks legend Walter Jones. "I know firsthand what it feels like to struggle in school, but I'm here to tell students that they're not alone. No One Eats Alone Day encourages youth to come together at a time in their lives where they may feel out of place and flip that script."

In addition to the assembly, participating schools receive a free Belonging Box, which includes in-class lesson plans on social isolation and actionable steps to cultivate belonging. The box also includes a student leadership guide, conversation starters to help students connect with someone new, and materials for an art project encouraging students to build relationships with their classmates. All materials are available in English and Spanish.

During lunch, students are also encouraged to meet someone new and complete a "Hearts and Hands" activity sheet. This interactive activity prompts them to discover common ground with others. Schools can display the completed sheets in a two-winged mural installation that doubles as a selfie photo opportunity for students.

"By providing a platform for students to discuss these issues openly and empowering them with resources to co-create a positive environment, we can create a ripple effect that enhances the mental health of the entire school community," said Jenise Quinn, Program Manager with Communities in Schools. "We really appreciate the partnership with Coordinated Care to help provide this program for our students."

Coordinated Care and the Centene Foundation have supported National No One Eats Alone Day since 2016. In Washington, additional No One Eats Alone Day events are being held at:

  • Baker Middle School, Tacoma
  • Brewster Middle School, Brewster
  • Carmichael Middle School, Richland 
  • Catalyst Public Schools, Bremerton 
  • Evergreen Middle School, Kent 
  • Illahee Middle School, Federal Way 
  • Jason Lee Elementary, Richland 
  • Lakota Middle School, Federal Way 
  • Ochoa Middle School, Pasco 
  • Orondo School District, Orondo 
  • River's Edge High School, Richland 
  • Sequoyah Middle School, Auburn 
  • Thomas Jefferson High School, Auburn 
  • Todd Beamer High School, Federal Way 
  • Triumph Teen Life Center, Mount Vernon

For more information on this program and how you can get involved, visit nooneeatsalone.org.

About Coordinated Care
Coordinated Care provides free and low-cost health insurance coverage to more than 300,000 Medicaid, foster care, Medicare and Marketplace (Exchange) members across Washington, with more than 47,000 providers in-network. Coordinated Care is committed to transforming the health of the community one person at a time. They treat the whole person by breaking down barriers to accessing care, walking members through their benefits, and connecting them to the care they need. Coordinated Care is a Washington managed care organization and wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. To learn more about our efforts in Healthcare Workforce Development, visit www.CoordinatedCareHealth.com/WA-first.