The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has awarded an $80,000
contract to the University of Washington’s Latino Center for Health to expand community-based
screening and improve referrals for diabetes and cardiovascular care among Latinx residents
across Washington State.
Through community partnerships and capacity building, the Latino Center for Health provides leadership through innovative research that promotes culturally responsive evidence-based practices, informs health policy, and advances the health and well-being of our growing Latinx community.
January 15, 2026
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Seattle, WA — The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has awarded an $80,000 contract to the University of Washington’s Latino Center for Health to expand community-based screening and improve referrals for diabetes and cardiovascular care among Latinx residents across Washington State.
Under the agreement (HED32007), effective November 1, 2025 through June 29, 2026, the Latino Center for Health will conduct at least two community screening events in areas with large Latinx populations, focusing on identifying elevated A1C levels and hypertension. The Center will work closely with DOH to strengthen referral pathways to affordable healthcare services and community resources. This work builds on recent statewide screening results in which 35% of participants had A1C levels in the prediabetes range, 15% in the diabetes range, and more than 65% presented with elevated blood pressure.
The project will also support the development of multi-directional electronic referral systems, enhance community–clinical linkages, and generate a lessons-learned report to guide statewide policy and practice improvements. Findings from this initiative will inform recommendations to ensure timely and effective follow-up care for Latinx patients with elevated risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
For more information, please contact the Latino Center for Health at the University of Washington: phone: (206) 685-3583 or email: latcntr@uw.edu.
Roosevelt Commons East
4311 11th Ave NE, Suite 240
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 685-3583
latcntr@uw.edu
