Island Hospital hosted Representative Rick Larsen at Island Primary Care — Orcas on May 27 for a round table discussion and tour of the clinic. Together with leaders from San Juan County Public Health and the Orcas Island Health Care District, Island Hospital and Rep. Larsen discussed healthcare challenges and opportunities for the Orcas community as well as for the other rural/remote island communities in the region. The group also discussed COVID-19 vaccine efforts, noting that San Juan County has the highest vaccination rate in the State of Washington. The discussion centered on promoting preventative care, health education and healthcare access to advance the health of all residents in the region.

“Island Hospital appreciates the collaboration with our regional healthcare partners and representatives. Together we can address the issues specific to delivering quality healthcare and expanded access to our Orcas community,” said Island Hospital CEO Charles Hall, MSN, MBA.

Island Hospital has been working with Larsen’s office throughout the pandemic, and as they have expanded primary care to Orcas. Included in the round table discussion with Larsen and his staff were Ellen Wilcox, MSW, MPH from San Juan County Health and Community Services and Anne Presson, Superintendent of OIHCD. In attendance from Island Hospital were: Charles Hall, CEO; Dr. Frank James, Medical Director and Primary Care Physician for Island Primary Care – Orcas; Patty Codd, Practice Administrator; and Laura Moroney, Director of Marketing and Community Relations.