OIHCD is excited to support the Orcas Island Caregiver Project, a community initiative working to strengthen professional caregivers and connect them with island families.

During the collaboration of the Orcas “Out of Clinic Care” workgroup in Summer of 2025, caregiver support was identified as a high priority area of need for our community. The “Out of Clinic Care” workgroup, which brought together San Juan County Senior Services, the Orcas Community Resource Center, Orcas Fire and Rescue, and Island Primary Care – Orcas, met five times over three months with the purpose of identifying gaps in care and prioritizing community needs outside the walls of the clinic. Strengthening the island’s caregiver network was identified as a key initiative needing further support.

The Orcas Island Caregiver Project is intended to meet that identified need. Led by Debra O’Conner, RN — a recently retired Hospice of the Northwest nurse that lives on, and served Orcas Island — the project is building a referral network that connects qualified professional caregivers with the families and individuals who need them. Additionally, the initiative offers monthly educational programs and is working to create a professional network that keeps skilled caregivers engaged and doing the work they love. Since launching, the project’s caregiver network continues to grow, has established a rotating referral system connecting families with caregivers, and is providing monthly continuing education meetings — built entirely on community commitment and volunteer efforts.

Support the Project Through the OICF Spring GiveOrcas 2026 Campaign - May 12th – 21st

This May, the Orcas Island Caregiver Project is participating in the Spring GiveOrcas, the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s annual giving campaign. The campaign runs May 12–21, 2026, with all donations made online at giveorcas.org.

Your gift helps fund the next phase of this work: building a technology system to support finding and offering care more seamlessly, expanded training opportunities, and building a stronger care community — the safety net every islander deserves.

How to Give

Visit giveorcas.org between May 12 and May 21 and search for Orcas Island Caregiver Project — or use the direct link or QR code below.

 

Donate Here - Link will be live from May 12-21

Meet the Project in Person

•       GiveOrcas Launch Event — Tuesday, May 12, 4:00–6:00 pm, Orcas Center

•       Farmer’s Market Booth — Saturday, May 16, Village Green, Eastsound

Questions?

Contact OIHCD Superintendent Chris Chord, chrisc@orcashealth.org or Debra O’Conner, RN directly at 206-276-5805 or mwifedoc@aol.com.