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Community Update #8 from LIHD & CWMA: Lopez Medical Clinic Transition

ByLopez Island Hospital District

December 22, 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 Report: December 10, 2025
LIHD and CWMA co-hosted a Town Hall on December 10th at the Lopez Center to update the community on ongoing efforts to secure a new operator for the Lopez Clinic. Nearly 150 people participated, with about 70 attending in person and 71 joining via Zoom Webinar. Moderated by part-time Lopez Island resident and health care executive Dr. Sandy Melzer, the event featured presentations from CWMA, LIHD, and consultant Jody Carona outlining the partner search process and options for a sustainable, independently operated clinic. A robust Q&A followed, addressing services, care models, staffing, local control, and organizational roles. Feedback was positive, with attendees noting the Town Hall was informative, well organized, respectful, and reflective of the tremendous amount of work underway. The Town Hall PowerPoint slides and Q&A are available on the LIHD website: https://lopezislandhd.org/town-hall-report-powerpoint-slides-and-qa/

Clinic Operator Exploration Update

🔹 Oversight/Partner Group – Potential Healthcare System Partners
As reported at the Town Hall, initial conversations with a regional healthcare system about a potential partnership are underway. CWMA and LIHD representatives met with the system’s executives and provided a virtual tour of the clinic. The system responded positively to what they saw at the Lopez Clinic and expressed eagerness in continuing discussions in early January.

🔹 Independent Group – Potential Locally Owned and Operated Clinic
Work on the independent clinic option will continue in parallel with the partner search, focusing on development of the ownership, governance, legal, and operational framework, including certification, accreditation, compliance, and human resources. LIHD and CWMA representatives met with legal counsel today to further explore these requirements.

✔ Continue to Visit the Clinic! 

  •  Sam Rich, PA, is seeing patients in person at the Clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. 
  • 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 through March.

➤ Upcoming Public Meetings

📅 CWMA BOARD MEETING
Board Meeting
Date: January 13, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM

Location: Lopez Island Family Resource Center

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

📅 LIHD MEETINGS
Special Meeting to Appoint Officers
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2025
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM

Regular Board Meeting
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2025
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

Location: Lopez Island Family Resource Center & via Zoom Link (same link for both meetings)

LIHD contact info: superintendent@lopezislandhd.org  

✔ Stay Informed and Involved 

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.