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's services, visit the clinic website. 

Over the years, OIHCD has grown to support a number of other Island programs. Here's a look at some of the ways District support reaches beyond clinic walls. The District partners with a network of island organizations and programs that help neighbors get to appointments, afford care, recover from injury, and access services, right here on Orcas.

Orcas Community Resource Center

OIHCD partners with the Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC) to fund health care-related support for community members — including help covering transportation expenses, medical bills, and care coordination support for people navigating the health care system. 

Dental Care Access Program

In partnership with the Orcas Island Community Foundation, OCRC, and San Juan County Health & Community Services, OIHCD supports access to dental care for people on Medicaid, those without dental insurance, and those who cannot otherwise afford dental care.

Launched in May 2024, the Orcas Community Dental Clinic has served 475 Orcas Islanders, providing 2,500+ procedures and helping 200+ of those patients get back to routine level care.

If you're interested in accessing dental services, visit the San Juan County Health & Community Services Dental Clinics page to complete an online application.

Mobile Integrated Health Program

This year, OIHCD is partnering with Orcas Fire & Rescue to launch a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program on the island. The program uses specially trained EMS providers to check in with community members outside of 911 response — following up after a hospital stay or ED visit, supporting people managing chronic conditions, assessing fall risk and home safety for older adults, and connecting residents to appropriate resources before a routine issue escalates. 

Orcas Island Physical Therapy

Medicaid reimbursement falls well below the cost of delivering care, making it hard for providers to sustain services for these patients. Orcas Island Physical Therapy has continued accepting Medicaid despite the financial loss, and OIHCD is now providing financial support to help offset that loss — keeping high-quality, convenient physical therapy available to our community. 

Community Health Network

OIHCD is also a financial supporter of the Community Health Network, a countywide effort that brings together hospital and health care districts, health systems, family resource centers, county government, and community organizations across Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. The Network was formed to address gaps in health care access — things like transportation to appointments, insurance navigation, and behavioral health support — that are harder to solve island by island than together.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the Date: Island Primary Care - Orcas - New Provider Meet and Greet

September 22nd

5:30 - 6:30 PM @ Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall

OIHCD and Island Health staff will be hosting a new provider meet & greet for island residents to informally meet Cameron Fralick, PA, and Paula Whitmire, MD. Cameron began working at the Island Primary Care - Orcas in the Spring, and Dr. Whitmire started the end of August.

 

Upcoming Board Meetings

Wednesday September 23rd, 2026 – Meeting Link Here - https://www.orcashealth.org/2026-09-23-board-meeting

Held in-person at the Orcas Public Library and by zoom.