The Health Center receives $100,000 grant from Washington Women’s Foundation

The Health Center receives $100,000 grant from Washington Women’s Foundation

WALLA WALLA – Washington Women’s Foundation has awarded The Health Center a $100,000 grant to help fund clinic coordinator positions to serve at Lincoln High School and Blue Ridge Elementary School. The Health Center was one of five nonprofit organizations in the state, and the only Eastern Washington organization, to receive a $100,000 grant. The Health Center will use the grant over a three year span.

“Our clinic coordinators provide the backbone of vitally needed and successful services for children,” said Holly Howard, The Health Center Executive Director. “This year, 340 organizations applied for funding from all over the state, and The Health Center was the sole grant winner in the area of health.”

According to Howard, the Washington Women's Foundation seeks out innovative programs that address critical needs in a community. They specifically noted The Health Center's success at reaching high risk students at school, providing needed services that reduce truancy and absenteeism, and boosting learning and graduation rates, Howard said.

“As the only independently operated school-based health center in our state, The Health Center is leading the way for other rural communities by demonstrating an effective model of partnership with schools, community medical resources, and other stakeholders,” Howard said. “This grant support allows us to continue to help vulnerable children thrive.”

Howard cautions the community that the Washington Women’s Foundation grant does not solve The Health Center’s ongoing challenge of sustaining adequate funding. She notes rising operational costs, insurance and other fees related to providing these services as threats to the program.

“The Health Center is keeping students healthy, in the classroom, and ready to learn,” Howard said. “We continue to need the support of the community to ensure these services remain in place. We are a critical partner in the lives of these amazing children.”

Learn more about The Health Center online: thehealthcenterww.org