Gail Tanaka Scholarship Fund
To benefit the ICHS Dental Assistant Internship Program
Gail Tanaka, in loving memory by the community
The Gail Tanaka Scholarship Fund was established by the family of Gail Tanaka.
As ICHS’ third executive director, Gail is remembered for her intelligence, gracious spirit, and deep commitment to health care equity.
She was instrumental in leading ICHS from 1981 to 1988 (at the time called the International District Community Health Center) during a period of growth and challenges.
Despite the difficulties, ICHS expanded its services and outreach to serve new patients, including recently arriving refugees from Southeast Asia who faced barriers to accessing services.
Gail had the vision and the heart to lead us through this time and ensure our mission of health access for all could carry on.
After her tenure at ICHS, she continued being a leader in pushing for health equity and access in our community.
It is her family’s desire that the recipients of this scholarship fund carry on Gail’s legacy of service in our communities.
The ICHS Dental Assistant Internship Program
The ICHS Dental Assistant Internship Program aims to uplift the next leaders in the field of dentistry. This intensive 6 month to 2 year program is offered as a full time paid position at ICHS for students to gain certified knowledge and hands on experience as a dental assistant in diverse communities. Students receive full benefits and compensation from day one of their training, where they are partnered with our clinic supervisors for one-on-one instruction and work alongside a whole team of dental professionals.
About ICHS
ICHS believes that everyone deserves access to culturally specific, quality health care.
But ICHS is more than just a health care provider. Our history is very much rooted in civil rights, in advocacy and in taking care of people who have been forgotten.
ICHS provides over $1,000,000 in free and low-cost health services for patients who otherwise would not be able to afford them, and we serve those patients in over 70 languages. As we've expanded, we've adapted and changed how we deliver services to really reflect the communities in which we operate.
