ICHS' School-Based Health Center Highlighted by the Washington Association of Community Health
International Community Health Services (ICHS) has been featured in the Washington Association for Community Health (WACH) 2026 Innovation Report, for the health center’s efforts in improving health outcomes.
The report highlights the establishment of a Case Management Specialist (CMS) role fully integrated within ICHS’ Seattle World School Teen Health Center to assist patients navigate complex healthcare, social service, and educational systems, reducing barriers that might otherwise prevent them from accessing the care and resources they need.
The Seattle World School is a secondary school for newly arrived immigrant and refugee students. The teen health center provides onsite medical care, dental care, and behavioral health services to students.
A student patient speaks with Didi Burpee, Advanced Practice Provider at ICHS' Seattle World School Teen Based Health Center. Didi is part of an integrated team that provides onsite medical care, dental care, and behavioral health services to Seattle World School students.
Monica Velazquez, ICHS CMS, has been in the role since May 2025 where she quickly began assisting patients with food security, housing stability, transportation, and care coordination. By elevating system navigation and building a role to enhance trust between its young patients, ICHS has enabled patients to meet key clinical care goals.
“So, what has made the Case Management Specialist really impactful for the students is that the CMS has created a very open, nonjudgemental, welcoming environment,” said Sherryl Grey, ICHS Director of Community Health Services in the report. “The CMS is kind of the victim of their own success! We try to set it up so that the CMS’s time is reserved for those kids that have the more complicated, multiple needs. But because the students have had such a good experience with the CMS, they bring their friend who may have a relatively simple need that can be addressed by the CHW.”
Overall, ICHS’ work has demonstrated how patient-centered support can improve health outcomes and strengthen connections between patients, families, and their care teams.
“This recognition from WACH reflects not only Monica's dedication and expertise,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, ICHS Chief Health Officer. “But also the commitment of the entire Seattle World School Teen Health Center team to advancing equitable, culturally responsive care for our community. Their work serves as a model for health care innovation.”
The Innovation Report is a program by the Washington Association of Community Health that promotes shared learning among the state's 28 community health centers.