Coordinated Care Helps Students Create a Culture of Belonging on National No One Eats Alone Day with Seattle Seahawks Legend Walter Jones
MWN-AI** Summary
On February 12, 2026, Coordinated Care collaborated with Seattle Seahawks legend Walter Jones to celebrate National No One Eats Alone Day at Illahee Middle School in Federal Way. This initiative, part of the Sandy Hook Promise program, aims to foster a culture of belonging among students by helping them connect with their peers and recognize their differences. Over 5,000 schools nationwide joined in the initiative this year, promoting the importance of empathy, understanding, and social connection among youth.
Coordinated Care’s President and CEO Beth Johnson emphasized the organization's commitment to youth mental health, correcting the pervasive issues of loneliness and bullying that can lead to severe mental and physical health challenges. Research by the World Health Organization indicates a strong link between social isolation and poor academic performance, alongside increased risks for health issues like heart disease and depression.
Jones expressed his enthusiasm for supporting youth across Washington, highlighting the significance of inclusion during formative years. During the event, schools received a "Belonging Box," filled with resources such as lesson plans on emotional awareness and social connection activities. This box encourages students to initiate conversations and share about themselves through innovative art projects.
Nicole Hockley, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise, reinforced the transformative power of personal connections, noting how simple acts of kindness can significantly impact children's lives. Coordinated Care, aligning with the Centene Foundation, has been a supporter of National No One Eats Alone Day since 2016, driving efforts to create safe, inclusive environments for students across Washington.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The initiatives led by Coordinated Care, particularly in collaboration with high-profile figures such as Seattle Seahawks legend Walter Jones, underscore the growing importance of mental health and social inclusion in youth development. As corporations increasingly recognize the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, strategic investments in programs like No One Eats Alone Day can yield both societal benefits and positive brand reputations.
In financial terms, companies engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives like this are likely to experience enhanced customer loyalty and community support. By addressing mental health challenges faced by students, Coordinated Care not only fulfills a moral obligation but also positions itself as a leader in wellness-oriented healthcare. Given its affiliation with Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), the backing of such initiatives can positively influence stock performance long-term, especially as public health becomes a focal point post-pandemic.
Additionally, the reported correlation between social isolation and adverse health outcomes, including increased rates of depression and economic cost burdens on healthcare systems, presents an opportunity for market positioning. Organizations that can effectively address these issues may find themselves in a more favorable regulatory environment and attract investment from funds focused on sustainable and socially responsible investing.
From an investment standpoint, stakeholders should monitor Centene Corporation's continued commitment to mental health initiatives and community engagement strategies. Engaging with local communities and addressing psychological well-being through educational programs may not only enhance its service reach but also improve operational efficiencies by potentially lowering long-term healthcare costs due to reduced reliance on crisis intervention services.
In summary, market participants should view Coordinated Care’s activities as a bellwether for future healthcare trends. Strategic investments in mental health support can result in sustainable growth trajectories for companies willing to prioritize social responsibility as part of their core business strategy.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
Proactive initiative is designed to help students connect with their classmates and cultivate healthier futures.
TACOMA, Wash., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Coordinated Care, a Washington managed care organization and wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) is partnering with Seattle Seahawks legend Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Jones again this year to celebrate No One Eats Alone Day on February 12, with 6th graders from Illahee Middle School in Federal Way. Thirty-five schools across Washington and 5,000 schools across the country participated in the in the Sandy Hook Promise program which helps students understand and respect differences, find common ground, and connect with and stand up for their classmates.
"The well?being of our young people is not just a priority, it is a responsibility we all share," said Coordinated Care President and CEO Beth Johnson. "Today's youth face mental health challenges too often compounded by the impact of bullying and social pressures. Coordinated Care is committed to investing in youth mental health and fostering communities where we create safe environments, speak openly about mental health, and every young person feels supported."
According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, teenagers who felt lonely were 22 percent more likely to receive lower grades in school. Loneliness and social isolation were cited with direct correlation to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, depression, and thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. The same study also linked social connection to improved physical and mental health.
"I love joining Coordinated Care in their work to support kids across the state," said Walter Jones. "Every kid deserves to feel included and valued and 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 find that common ground."
Participating schools receive a free Belonging Box, which includes lesson plans on recognizing emotions, understanding social isolation, and fostering social connections. The box also includes a student leadership guide, conversation starters to help students connect with someone new, and materials for Connect the Dots—an innovative art project that helps students share things about themselves and learn more about their classmates. All materials are available in English and Spanish.
"Social isolation harms children both physically and mentally in terms of detrimental health impacts – some of which can be long-term – and it's also a major risk factor and warning sign for extreme situations like self-harm and violence," said Nicole Hockley, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise, who joined the event in Federal Way this year. "The power of personal connections is profoundly transformative, and that's what's so special about No One Eats Alone Day. Simple acts of kindness have the power to pull kids back from the brink – not only saving lives but changing them for the better."
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:
- Brewster Middle School (Brewster)
- Carmichael Middle School (Richland)
- Chief Joseph Middle School (Richland)
- Eastgate Elementary (Kennewick)
- Foothills Middle School (Wenatchee)
- Frontier Middle School (Moses Lake)
- Fuerza Elementary (Kennewick)
- Granger Middle School (Granger)
- Horse Heaven Middle School (Kennewick)
- Housel Middle School (Prosser)
- Kennewick High School (Kennewick)
- Kilo Middle School (Federal Way)
- Lakeview Terrace Elementary (Moses Lake)
- New Horizons High School (Pasco)
- Palisades Elementary (Palisades)
- Richland High School (Richland)
- Sageview High School (Pasco)
- Southgate Elementary (Kennewick)
- Southridge High School (Kennewick)
- Springbrook Elementary (Kent)
- Sunset View Elementary (Kennewick)
- TAF@Saghalie (Federal Way)
- Tapteal Elementary (West Richland)
- Triumph Teen Life Center (Mount Vernon)
- Virgie Robinson Elementary (Pasco)
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 Coordinated Care's work to invest in Washington communities, visit www.CoordinatedCareHealth.com/WA-first.
SOURCE Coordinated Care
FAQ**
How is Coordinated Care, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation (CNC), measuring the impact of the "No One Eats Alone Day" initiative on students' mental health and social connections?
What specific strategies does Coordinated Care, under Centene Corporation (CNC), employ to address the mental health challenges faced by participating students during No One Eats Alone Day?
Can you elaborate on how the partnership with Walter Jones enhances the visibility and effectiveness of the "No One Eats Alone Day" efforts by Coordinated Care and Centene Corporation (CNC)?
How does Coordinated Care plan to expand the reach of the "No One Eats Alone Day" program in Washington, and what role does Centene Corporation (CNC) play in this expansion?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC).
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