Health Care District seeks input from islanders

The district is seeking input on Vashon’s unmet healthcare needs now because it is no longer subsidizing Sea Mar’s clinic at Sunrise Ridge.

By Elizabeth Shepherd • March 2, 2023 1:30 am
Last fall, Health Care District commissioners Wendy Noble (left) and Tom Langland sat outside to engage with islanders — a practice by commissioners that will resume in March, both in informal settings and at a public meeting (Elizabeth Shepherd Photo).
Last fall, Health Care District commissioners Wendy Noble (left) and Tom Langland sat outside to engage with islanders — a practice by commissioners that will resume in March, both in informal settings and at a public meeting (Elizabeth Shepherd Photo).

Vashon Health Care District commissioners have scheduled several opportunities in early March for islanders to share their stories about health care on Vashon and how it could be improved.

“We want to hear from our neighbors about the gaps they’ve experienced in health care on the island, and which unmet needs they’d most like to see the Health Care District address,” said Tom Langland, president of the district’s board of commissioners.

The district is seeking input on Vashon’s unmet healthcare needs now because it is no longer subsidizing Sea Mar’s clinic at Sunrise Ridge. Until two months ago, most of the district’s tax dollars went to pay that subsidy.

“We have an opportunity now to use our resources to tackle island healthcare challenges that we couldn’t address previously,” Langland said. “But, before we move forward, we need to hear from our neighbors.”

Here’s the schedule for the listening sessions:

  • Saturday, March 4 – Commissioners and other district representatives will be outside the doors of Vashon Thriftway and Island Market IGA from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 7, and Thursday, March 9 – Commissioners and other district representatives will hold drop-in “office hours” at the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie (Minglement), 19529 Vashon Hwy. SW, from 9 to 11 a.m.
  • Monday, March 13 – The district will host a hybrid public meeting at the Vashon Land Trust Building, 10014 SW Bank Rd., and on Zoom, from 7 to 9 p.m. The Zoom link is available on the district’s website, vashonhealthcare.org.

District representatives also are available to listen to islanders, individually or in groups, at other times. To schedule a session, contact Commissioner Eric Pryne at eric@vashonhealthcare.org.