Centene’s Coordinated Care Partners with Seattle Seahawks for SYSC Mental Health Summit
05/29/2025
Coordinated Care staff join Hall of Famers at its SYSC event.
At the event, Marcus Trufant, Lesle Gallimore, Plan President and CEO Beth Johnson, and Walter Jones.
Empowering the Next Generation Through Mental Health Awareness
Centene is proud to continue its commitment to investing in today’s youth. As the “Official Youth Wellness Partner of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (PFHOF),” Centene, along with its health plans and the Centene Foundation, has collaborated with the PFHOF to support the Strong Youth Strong Communities (SYSC) initiative. This program helps teenagers develop essential tools and strategies to navigate life’s challenges.
The SYSC initiative brings teenagers together to learn life skills and leadership strategies that help to unlock their full potential. PFHOF members who support SYSC work closely with students, promoting active thinking, sound judgment, and fostering connections with positive role models, leaders, and mentors in their communities.
In May 2025, Centene subsidiary Coordinated Care in Washington state teamed up with the Seattle Seahawks to host the second annual SYSC summit. Held during Mental Health Awareness Month, the summit gathered over 400 middle and high school students from across the state. The event was spearheaded by Seahawks Legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Walter Jones; Washington native and Seahawks Legend, Marcus Trufant; and Seattle Reign Football Club’s General Manager, Lesle Gallimore. These Hall of Famers shared personal stories of overcoming challenges and building resilience, inspiring the young attendees.
Panoramic view of the SYSC event with Coordinated Care health plan.
Building on the success of their first SYSC event in 2024, this year’s summit featured interactive breakout sessions where students engaged in discussions and shared their ideas on how to support one another. This collaborative atmosphere emphasized the importance of mental and physical well-being as essential components of overall health.
Peach State Health Plan leadership and Centene team members pictured with Freddie Falcon at its event in Winder, Georgia.
Beth Johnson, Plan President and CEO of Coordinated Care, highlighted the significance of the summit: “Every child deserves a strong community behind them to break through isolation and create pathways to feeling empowered. That’s why we’re proud to host this year’s SYSC summit and inspire students across the region to face challenges head on and build a happier, healthier next generation.”
Earlier this month, another Centene company, Peach State Health Plan, supported a community event in Winder, Georgia, that focused on healing and resiliency in collaboration with Apalachee High School, the Barrow County School System, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, and the PFHOF. Looking ahead, Centene plans to host future SYSC events with more health plans this fall.
Learn more about SYSC as Centene continues to champion the mental health and well-being of youth across the nation.