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Community Update #7 from LIHD and CWMA: Lopez Medical Clinic Transition

ByLopez Island Hospital District

December 3, 2025

The University of Washington will stop running the Lopez Island Clinic on June 30, 2026.  

Want Updates by Email? Go to: https://lopezislandhd.org/news/  

To Learn More about the work that has been underway since early July, please visit the LIHD website: https://lopezislandhd.org/transition/ 

Latest Updates – Clinic Transition 

🔹   Town Hall: December 10, 2025, 5:30-7:00 pm, Lopez Community Center 
Join us for a Town Hall, moderated by Dr. Sandy Melzer, that will give the community an opportunity to hear directly from Lopez Island Hospital District (LIHD) and Catherine Washburn Medical Association (CWMA) about their work to secure a new operator for the Lopez Clinic. Updates on the process to identify a new operating partner, as well as efforts to explore a sustainable model for an independently operated clinic will be presented. A Q&A session will follow, featuring representatives from LIHD and CWMA, along with consultant Jody Carona from Health Facilities & Planning. The meeting will be streamed live. Audience participation will only be possible for those attending in person. A Zoom link to the event will be available soon and posted.

Clinic Operator Exploration Update 

🔹 Oversight/Partner Group – Potential Healthcare System Partners 
Outreach to six potential partners is complete, with all agreeing to initial conversations. Two signed confidentiality agreements and received an information packet prepared by HFPD, one of which has asked for further information and a tour of the clinic. Two others expressed interest in providing support, but not operating the clinic. Click here to view the Information Packet: Lopez Clinic Information Packet. 

🔹 Independent Group – Potential Locally Owned and Operated Clinic 
After work with rural health CPAs, the Independent Group created a preliminary financial model for a community-owned clinic with reimbursement options including a Rural Health Clinic and a Federally Qualified Health Clinic Look-Alike. The analysis suggests that it is feasible. Work continues to research and understand the process of the development of an ownership, governance, legal, and operational framework for the model, including certification, accreditation, compliance, and human resources/employment. 

✔ A Message from the UW Clinic about Preicy Frianeza-Garin 

For over two years Preicy Frianeza-Garin, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC has served the Lopez Community with professional and compassionate care as a valuable member of the Lopez clinical team. As the Lopez Medical Clinic continues to transition from UW Medicine Primary Care to a new partner in June of 2026, we would like to share that Preicy has made the thoughtful decision to pursue a professional opportunity closer to her home. As remote work with Lopez will no longer be an option for Preicy after June 2026, this transition supports her personal and professional needs. Preicy will be working through the month of December before moving on to her next opportunity.  We are sincerely grateful for the care and commitment Preicy has shown to the Lopez Island community, and we wish her all the best in this next chapter. 

✔ Continue to Visit the Clinic!  

  •  Sam Rich, PA, is seeing patients in person at the Clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  
  • Preicy Frianeza-Garin, ARNP, is available full-time, Monday through Thursday, via telehealth through December.  
  • UW doctors from off-island have been coming to help at the clinic. More are scheduled for December and January.  

➤ Upcoming Public Meetings 

📅 CWMA BOARD MEETING 📅 LIHD REGULAR BOARD MEETING   
Date: December 9, 2025 Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 
Time: 5:00 PM Time: 4:00-6:00 PM 
Location: Lopez Island Family Resource Center Location: Lopez Island Family Resource Center & via Zoom Link Passcode: 468826 
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,  Library, and Southend Market 
  • 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.