Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Ingman on San Juan County healthcare access
San Juan County faces real access to healthcare challenges. We’re rural and remote. Our population is aging, and Medicare reimbursement brings in less revenue than private or marketplace insurance. This puts financial pressure on local providers. Many islanders also need specialty care that falls outside what primary care can offer. This means that if we need to see a specialist, spending a half or full day traveling off
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is County Council leadership for our future
Katherine Bryant Ingman represents the future leaders that I want to see locally and nationally. Energetic young people dreaming of a better future who are ready to listen and eager to work. I met Katherine years ago when she led the wonderfully successful gleaning program through the newly founded Food Share at the Lopez Island Family Resource Center. Since then, I’ve observed her in other volunteer and work roles. Most recently Katherine impressed me as […]
October highlights from Orcas Senior Center
Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times is available at www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events. This Month at the Senior Center: Fitness & Wellness: Chair yoga Arts & Creativity: Art with Carla, quilting, needlework, and w
Health Care Board to meet Sept. 23
The Orcas Island Health Care District will hold a regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Orcas Island Library, 500 Rose Street, Eastsound. The public packet is available below. 01. 2026_09_23 Agenda_Regular_Board.pdf 02. 2026_09_08 OIHCD Claims Payment Request.pdf 03. 2026_09_22 OIHCD Claims Payment Request.pdf 04. 2026-08 MIH Report.pdf 05. Interlocal Funding Agreement V3_09
New clinic providers meet & greet September 22, 2026
Island Primary Care – Orcas clinic has welcomed two new Providers over the past six months, Cameron Fralick, PA-C, and Paula Whitmire, MD. In order for community members to meet these new providers outside of clinic appointments, Orcas Island Health Care District will be hosting a meet & greet event for the providers. @ Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Hall 242 Main St, Eastsound, WA 98245 5:30 – 6:30 PM Light refreshments will be […]
LWVSJ Observer Corps | SJC Board of Health September 16, 2026
Arlesia Bailey is the new executive director of Accountable Communities of Health (ACH). Evergreen Recovery has posted two job positions, based in the county and in partnership with the SJC Sheriff’s Department. Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) approved a 3% budget increase ($210 for the county). The NWRC is part of a statewide consortium to lobby the state legislature to maintain funding streams for health homes and senior nutrition progra
Yoga & Ukulele Thursday mornings at Orcas Center
Yogalele’s fall season is now in session! Join us Thursday mornings from 8:30 to 9:15am in the Madrona Room at Orcas Center to stretch and strum, pluck and smile, experience savasana, and possibly learn a few new moves and chords. All levels (yoga and ukulele) welcome, each class tailored to the attendees. Bring your mat and your ukulele if you have one (ukes are not required, non-players always welcome!) and get your […]
Katherine Bryant Ingman on San Juan County budget
San Juan County is set to spend more than it takes in for 2027. To legally balance the budget, it needs to cut $3.7 million. This didn’t happen overnight. In April 2026, a levy lift failed, with over 60% voting no, forcing difficult decisions. Costs the county can’t control have kept climbing: state mandated programs,insurance, and inflation have all grown faster than revenue. Some revenue tools haven’t kept up. Permit […]
Preparing for a resilient future
As Orcas Islanders prepare for fall, shorter days, harvesting buckets upon buckets of apples, and unpredictable weather, many nonprofit organizations are launching fall programs and events, and are working to raise awareness and support for the needs of the community. Fall is a perfect time to get engaged, meet new people, and take part in shaping the future of the organizations you care about. If you’re considering joining a b
Kwiaht launches arsenic testing and action project
Islands conservation laboratory Kwiaht is seeking participants in a study of the extent of arsenic contamination in island wells, and actions to reduce adverse health effects Islanders may be at increased risk of colon cancer due to the widespread presence of small amounts of arsenic in the islands’ well water. Although the regulatory ceiling for arsenic in drinking water is 10 parts per billion (ppb) in Washington State, concentrations as low as one […]
The Clinic and Beyond | How OIHCD supports care across Orcas Island
The Health Care District’s financial support of Island Primary Care – Orcas ensures that more than 3,800 residents access primary, same-day, after-hours, and visiting specialty care right here on Orcas. The clinic is staffed by doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, a patient liaison, front desk staff, and our long-time clinic manager — all Islanders except for one staff member. To learn more about the clinic
Letter to Editor | Why we’re voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council District 3
We proudly endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council District 3 this November. Katherine has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to our island communities through her work in healthcare, food security, ferry advocacy, and countless volunteer efforts. For example, as president of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, she helped make sure Lopez Island didn’t lose access to healthcare when the clinic changed hands to Sea Mar Community Healt
Ongoing San Juan County search for next local health officer
The County is requesting statements of qualifications from licensed physicians experienced in public health/local Health Officer duties Last month, San Juan County opened a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for qualified candidates interested in serving as the County’s next Local Health Officer. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is extended to any qualified physician that meets the minimum qualifications and has the required experience: 1. Experienc
OIHCD thanks Island Health CEO as leadership transition is announced
On September 10th, Island Health notified the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) and announced to the larger community that their current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elise Cutter, would be stepping down in the coming months. OIHCD Superintendent Chord and the Board of Directors thanks Elise Cutter for her years of partnership and support. OIHCD is grateful for the strong partner and advocate CEO Cutter has been in continuing to support Isl