KCDC Community Healthcare Navigation Initiative

2026-2027: KCDC's goals will work towards implementation of their culturally responsive Community Healthcare Navigator (CHN) Curriculum. They will curate a cohort of trained CHNs to facilitate and expand the reach of the curriculum, and advocate for broader adoption by the healthcare industry for training, hiring, and advancing equitable workforce practices. 2026-2027 Award: $570,000 ($285,000 per year for 2 years).

2023-2025: The Initiative addressed the healthcare disparities faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities in Kent through education reform, stakeholder/community mobilization, and advocacy. The partnership partnered with local educational institutions to create a culturally responsive health care navigator curricula, increase access to career pathways in the medical & behavioral health fields, and develop policy recommendations and advocate for the creation of a new Workforce Development Plan for greater health and economic development outcomes for BIPOC residents. 2023-25 Award: $855,000 Total ($285,000 per year for 3 years)

Lead/Backbone Organization: Communities in Schools of South King County (formerly Communities in Schools of Kent)

Partnership members: Kent Community Development Collaborative (KCDC), Community Network Council, and Communities in Schools of South King County (formerly Communities In Schools of Kent). Former members: Communities of Rooted Brilliance, Mother Africa, Being Empowered Through Supportive Transitions (BEST).

Updated February 5, 2026