Collaboration will combat harmful effects of pollution, lack of healthy activities for youth.
By Bob Condor
Boosting wellness in Seattle’s challenged South Park neighborhood is the goal of a new partnership between the Seattle Kraken’s One Roof Foundation and Tegria, the healthcare technology and services company founded by Providence. Projects led by residents and supported by the new partnership will help mitigate the unhealthy effects of pollution, proximity to Superfund sites and lack of activities for youth that have resulted in serious health issues such as higher rates of asthma and lower life expectancy.
“In a community that suffers significant health disparities and often lacks access to medical care, Tegria’s presence provides the type of community service and partnership that we as an organization are constantly seeking in order to bring better health outcomes to our Duwamish Valley community,” said Paulina Lopez, LLM, executive director, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition/TAG.
Thirteen different languages are spoken in South Park, which also is the home of Seattle’s largest Hispanic/Latin population. Dedicated leaders across the community of nearly 5,000 people are focused on improving health and prospects for all residents.
“All kids should have access to sports and safe places to play as well as clean air to breathe, but unfortunately that’s not a given in some neighborhoods,” said Mari Horita, vice president, community engagement & social impact for the Seattle Kraken, and executive director of One Roof Foundation. “We are partnering with the South Park community to help bring about some much-needed change.”
The new partnership builds on Tegria’s quest to improve health by providing innovative services and solutions to health care organizations. Tegria was founded by Providence, which has had an ongoing commitment to South Park and the greater Duwamish Valley community. Providence Regina House offers health resources and operates a weekly food and clothing bank to care for and ease the way of South Park families.
“At Tegria, we see health as more than just a provider giving aid when you’re sick or hurt, as important as that is. It encompasses all the elements necessary to people living their best lives,” said Wasif Rasheed, chief growth officer at Providence, and a member of Tegria’s governing council. “The South Park community has been working hard to remedy the environmental, social and economic conditions that affect wellness. In partnership with the Seattle Kraken’s One Roof Foundation, we have an opportunity to learn from South Park, support them, and contribute to their health across all facets of life in their community.”
About One Roof Foundation
One Roof Foundation serves as the charitable arm for the Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena, and we envision a more equitable society and healthy planet where all people can realize a brighter future. We are working to achieve this vision through three impact pillars: 1) helping to end youth homelessness in our region; 2) increasing access to hockey, sports, and life opportunities for underserved youth; and 3) advancing environmental justice. We are committed to working together to achieve this vision, under one roof.
About Tegria Tegria helps healthcare organizations of all sizes accelerate technological, clinical and operational advances that enable people to live their healthiest lives. Based in Seattle with teams throughout the United States and internationally, Tegria is comprised of more than 3,500 strategists, technologists, service providers, clinicians, and scientists dedicated to delivering value for customers. Founded by Providence, Tegria is committed to creating health for a better world. To learn more, visit tegria.com.
