Community Update #4 from LIHD and CWMA: Lopez Medical Clinic Transition
August 28, 2025
The University of Washington will stop running the Lopez Island Clinic.
UW Medicine will be leaving the Lopez Clinic on June 30, 2026.
📢 You can read the full announcement here: lopezislandhd.org
Starting July 1, 2025, LIHD and CWMA began looking for a new group to run the clinic.
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➤ Recent Updates
We Need Your Input! Take Our Community Healthcare Survey!
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VWBW5MW
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VWBW5MW?lang=es
We ask that each household submit only one response.
- Transition Planning
CWMA and LIHD have formed two groups to explore clinic options:
The Oversight Group is assessing partnerships with existing healthcare systems.
The Independent Group is evaluating independent clinic operation.
Both groups include CWMA and LIHD board members, local experts, and advisors. Their work is guided by Jody Carona, a seasoned rural healthcare consultant.
- Activities Planned for the Next Two Weeks
Initial outreach to potential Healthcare Systems.
Retain CPA firm to help us crunch the numbers for various healthcare models.
Draft proposal used for potential Healthcare Systems.
All Group members to sign Confidentiality Agreements required by potential Healthcare Systems. Please know that there will be parts of this process that we will not be able to share with the public. More information on this will be posted separately.
➤ Upcoming Public Meetings
| 📅 CWMA BOARD MEETING | 📅 REGULAR LIHD BOARD MEETING |
| Date: Tuesday, September 9 | Date: Wednesday, September 24 |
| Time: 5:00 PM | Time: 4:00 PM |
| Location: Lopez Island Family Resource Center | Location: Lopez Island Family Resource Center & via Zoom Zoom Link Passcode: 468826 |
| CWMA contact info: CWMA@catherinewashburnmedical.org/contact-cwma/ | LIHD contact info: superintendent@lopezislandhd.org |
➤ What Does All This Mean for Our Clinic Right Now?
- The UW Medicine Lopez Island Clinic will remain open through June 30, 2026.
- Primary Care Services:
- PA Sam Rich is seeing patients in person at the Clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
- ARNP Preicy Frianeza-Garin is available full-time, Monday through Thursday via telehealth.
- Same-day telemedicine appointments are often available within one hour. Learn more at: uwmedicine.org/virtual-care/same-day-primary-care. 8 AM – 8 PM, 364 days/year
- UW doctors from off-island have been coming to help at the clinic. More are scheduled for September and October. Subscribe for email updates on visiting doctors at News & Meetings – Lopez Island Hospital District.
✔ Support Clinic Operations
- Arrive on time (or early) for appointments.
- Please finish your paperwork before your appointment to be prepared for your visit.
- Call the clinic directly with any questions or concerns 360-468-2245, then press 2.
✔ Stay Informed and Involved
- LIHD Website: lopezislandhd.org/news
- CWMA Website: catherinewashburnmedical.org
- Facebook: @LopezIslandHD; Lopez Rocks News & Views: lopezrocks.org
- Bulletin Boards: Lopez Village Market & Library
- Attend LIHD and CWMA public meetings
Thank you for your patience and support. Together, we’re committed to securing a sustainable path forward for healthcare on Lopez Island.