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Community Update #1: Lopez Medical Clinic Transition 

ByLopez Island Hospital District

from LIHD and CWMA

This is the first in a series of regular updates about the future management of the Lopez Medical Clinic. 

On June 30, 2025, the University of Washington (UW) announced it will not renew its contract with the Lopez Island Hospital District (LIHD) and the Catherine Washburn Medical Association (CWMA) to operate the UW Lopez Island Clinic. The current contract will expire on June 30, 2026. 

You can read the full announcement and UW Medicine’s letter here on the LIHD website: 
https://lopezislandhd.org/important-update-about-uw-lopez-primary-care-clinic 

The letter cites financial insecurity, federal and state funding cuts, and annual losses related to unsubsidized administrative costs as reasons for UW’s decision. 

What Happens Now? 

The LIHD Board of Commissioners and CWMA Board of Directors are working together to find a new provider to manage the Lopez Clinic after UW’s departure. 

They are committed to transparency and community involvement throughout the transition.  

Here’s what’s happened so far: 

Highlights from the July 1st Special Meeting 

A special public Zoom meeting was held on July 1, 2025, to discuss the UW announcement.  

  • Approximately 50 people attended, including UW Medicine leadership. 
  •  The LIHD Board and Superintendent reaffirmed their commitment to finding a new clinic manager quickly, exploring multiple options with input from healthcare experts. 
  •  The LIHD Finance Committee confirmed a strong funding base and reserves to help with the transition. 
  •  CWMA and LIHD emphasized their ongoing partnership, with CWMA continuing to own and maintain the clinic building and much of its equipment. 
  •  UW Medicine confirmed it will continue operating the clinic with current staff, including added coverage following Dr. Dougan’s retirement in May. 
  •  All parties—UW, LIHD, CWMA, and the public—shared concerns about staff morale and a commitment to support clinic employees during this time. 
  •  San Juan County Councilmember Jane Fuller offered county support and praised collaboration between LIHD, CWMA, and the community. 
  •  Orcas Island Health Care District members expressed support and interest in continued collaboration. 
  •  Public comments—both written and spoken—were supportive and encouraged creativity in exploring new options. 

Steps Taken Since July 1 

Since the meeting, LIHD has already begun acting on the community’s concerns and priorities: 

  •  LIHD leaders met with Jody Carona of Health Facilities Planning and Development (HFPD) to begin drafting a work plan and timeline, to be reviewed the week of July 7. 
  •  The LIHD Community Engagement subcommittee will work with CWMA to ensure regular updates are shared with the public. 
  •  The Lopez Island Healthcare Working Group, composed of local healthcare and wellness leaders, will meet soon to discuss its role in the transition. 
  •  LIHD and CWMA sent a letter of support to clinic staff and plan to include staff input as part of the decision-making process. 
  •  A Special Public Meeting is tentatively scheduled for one hour before the next regular LIHD Board Meeting on July 23, 2025. 
  • This special meeting will focus exclusively on clinic management. 
  • The public will have an opportunity to share comments. 
  • The regular meeting will address standard LIHD business, with time set aside for additional public input. 

How You Can Help 

  • Support Clinic Efficiency: Help our staff operate smoothly by arriving on time or early for your appointments and choosing telemedicine when appropriate. Learn more about how telemedicine works  https://www.uwmedicine.org/virtual-care.   
  • Stay Informed & Stay Involved: 
  • Facebook: @LopezIslandHD 
  • LVM and Library bulletin boards 
  • Attend meetings for community input  

For questions or written comments: 
Email LIHD Superintendent Edee Scriven at: superintendent@lopezislandhd.org

 LIHD Commissioner contact info: https://lopezislandhd.org/contact/ 

CWMA contact info: CWMA@catherinewashburnmedical.org/contact-cwma/ 

Thank you for your patience and support. Together, we’re committed to securing a sustainable path forward for healthcare on Lopez Island.