Community-Centered Care – Mentoring Matters

A faculty member and woman pose by a poster that displays Public Health information — Dr. Leo Morales MD, PhD, MPH, Professor of Medicine, Assistant Dean for Healthcare Equity, and Affiliate Professor of Public Health and Social Work at the University of Washington (UW) with Public Health student, Evelyn I. Grijalva Martin, at a recent awards ceremony presenting her research in Public Health and Nutrition.

Shared by Evelyn I. Grijalva Martine (she/her/ella)

Research Coordinator

University of Washington | School of Public Health

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In the summer of 2025, I had the privilege of nominating Dr. Leo Morales for an Outstanding Preceptor Award. This award recognizes a preceptor who made a positive impact during the dietetic training. This is a supervised training that must be completed to sit for the registered dietitian exam. Dr. Morales served as one of my preceptors during my dietetic internship-public health rotation, and his mentorship had a meaningful impact on my training.

From the moment I joined the UW Latino Center for Health (LCH), he created a welcoming and inclusive environment that made me feel supported and part of a team dedicated to advancing health equity for the Latine community. In my nomination, I highlighted the generosity and humility he brought to his leadership. Under his guidance, I gained confidence working on interdisciplinary projects and contributing to culturally responsive materials such as the nutrition booklet I developed for LCH.

Additionally, I highlighted observing Dr. Morales at the Latinx diabetes clinic where I learned so much about diabetes care, patient-centered communication, and the importance of culturally responsive practice. His ability to connect with patients and advocate for community-centered care was inspiring.

Overall, Dr. Morales modeled the type of leadership, professionalism, and compassion I hope to carry forward in my own career. Nominating him for the Outstanding Preceptor Award reflected the profound impact he had on my growth as a dietetic intern and soon to be registered dietitian.

Vibe Bingo

October 9 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Vibe Bingo + Cierra Sisters

This Thursday on October 9th we will be kicking off the month with our Vibe Bingo event and it will be a night to remember! Filled with music and laughs this event reminds us that community care can be both fun and healing. If you haven’t yet, grab your ticket! There are only a few left.

Breast Cancer Awareness Vibe Bingo

Join Vibe Bingo, the Cierra Sisters, and the Marvin Thomas Memorial for a powerful R&B Only Breast Cancer Awareness Event! This is set to be one of our biggest nights, dedicated to celebrating survivors and honoring everyone affected by breast cancer. The theme for the night is pink, so come dressed in your best to show your support.

We want to celebrate your journey—if you are a breast cancer survivor, your entry is free, and you’ll receive a special gift from us. To claim your free ticket, please contact Sarah or Chuck D at sarah@vibebingo.com or chuckd@vibebingo.com.

The night will be hosted by Ya Girl Ness, featuring music from DJ Chuck D. We’ll be at a new local restaurant on Kent East Hill, offering excellent Mexican/American cuisine and ample parking.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and bingo starts promptly at 7:00 p.m.

6:00PM – 9:00PM | 10432 SE Kent-Kangley Rd, Kent, WA 98030

$20 – $25

Learn more here.

20th Annual Sickle Cell Walk

September 6 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

The Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force is a grassroots community-based organization committed to helping people with Sickle Cell Disease in our local community. The Task Force was established in 1994 as a private non-profit organization.

Their mission is to provide education and support to the community and to enhance the overall well-being of those afflicted with various forms of Sickle Cell Disease and their families. They work to disseminate information and provide support to people with Sickle Cell Disease, young and old. Join OHCE as we walk, run, and bike to raise awareness for this disease.

All proceeds collected during the event go to support the following programs: Sickle Cell Camp, Adult Retreat, Support Group, and Special Events.

Location:

Large Field at the Main Entrance of Seward Park

5900 Lake Washington Blvd S., Seattle, WA 98118

Free Swag can purchased to donate to MSSCTF

Metropolitan Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force

Seward Park

Seattle, Washington 98118 + Google Map

Health & Well‑Being Findings from the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey

The 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS) is the largest survey that examines the experiences of transgender people in the United States. The National Center for Transgender Equality (now Advocates for Trans Equality) conducted the survey in the fall of 2022 and 92,329 binary and nonbinary transgender respondents from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. military bases took the survey. The USTS was an anonymous, online survey for transgender people ages 16 and older in the United States and was available in both English and Spanish. The 2022 survey followed the 2015 USTS and the 2008-09 National Transgender Discrimination Survey. These surveys provided extensive description of trans communities across the United States and played critical roles in shifting how policymakers and the public view the lives of transgender people. Further, these surveys were crucial resources for educators, policymakers, and healthcare providers to better serve the needs of transgender people.

This report, coming from the 2022 USTS, provides an updated, detailed look at the health and healthcare of trans and nonbinary respondents. Topics focus on general health and access to healthcare, transition-related healthcare, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, life satisfaction and happiness, and substance use. The findings reveal a complex portrait of strengths and challenges that our respondents experience in their lives when seeking healthcare.

Read the full survey (pdf)