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Community Update #10 from LIHD and CWMA: Lopez Medical Clinic Transition

ByLopez Island Hospital District

April 10, 2026 

(Spanish) Community Update #10 April 10 2026Download

After eight months of exploring options, community input, and diligent vetting, we are excited that a transition is underway for Sea Mar Community Health Centers to begin operating the Lopez Island Clinic on June 29, 2026. 

Along with our partners, hundreds of community members, and consultant Jody Carona of Health Facilities Planning and Development, we are pleased to announce that Sea Mar Community Health Centers and the Lopez Island Hospital District (LIHD) have signed a contract for the operation of the Lopez Clinic. 

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Clinic Transition Updates 

🔹 UW and Sea Mar Meeting Weekly 

With the contract signed by both LIHD and Sea Mar, the UW and Sea Mar teams now are meeting weekly to support a seamless transition, coordinating key details such as Information Technology system changes, transfer of Epic MyChart records, and staff onboarding and training. 

🔹 Physician Recruitment Underway 

Sea Mar is in the process of contracting with a female Internal Medicine physician to work at the Lopez Island clinic full time. Their goal is to ensure continuity of care and maintain consistent, high-quality medical services for the community. 

🔹 Ambetter Insurance Clarification 

Both UW and Sea Mar accept Ambetter insurance; however, there are some important distinctions: 

  • UW’s Ambetter contract applies only to Lopez Clinic services and patients already established at Lopez Clinic and is not accepted for UW telehealth or other UW locations. 
  • Sea Mar currently accepts Ambetter for in-person and telehealth visits at all of its medical clinic sites. 

✔ Continue to Visit the UW Lopez Clinic Through June 26, 2026!  

  •  Sam Rich, PA, is seeing patients in person at the Clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  
  • UW doctors from off-island have been coming to help at the clinic. More are scheduled through June. 
  • Be sure to schedule same-day appointments as early in the day as possible. 

➤ Upcoming Public Meetings 

📅 CWMA MEETINGS  Board Meeting 📅 LIHD MEETINGS  Regular Board Meeting 
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 
Time: 5:00 PM Location: LIFRC  Time: 4:00-6:00 PM  
Annual Meeting Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 Time: 10:00AM Location: Grace Church Location: Lopez Island Family Resource Center & via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3903428884   
CWMA contact info: CWMA@catherinewashburnmedical.org/contact-cwma/ LIHD contact info: superintendent@lopezislandhd.org  

 ✔ Stay Informed and Involved  

  • Facebook: @LopezIslandHD; Lopez Rocks News & Views: lopezrocks.org  
  • Bulletin Boards: Lopez Village Market and Lopez Library 
  • Attend LIHD and CWMA public meetings   

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we move through this important transition. 
Together, we’re committed to building a strong, sustainable future for healthcare on Lopez Island.