What We Do

We are accountable for individual and community health through partnerships and collaboration.

The mission of the Vashon Health Care District is to promote and maintain the health of the residents of Vashon and Maury Islands by supporting accessible quality health care through community partnerships, shared decision-making, transparency and responsible stewardship of resources

Officially, Vashon Health Care District is King County Public Hospital District #5.

Public Hospital Districts are governmental entities authorized by Washington state law to deliver health services to the communities they serve. They are created by public vote and governed by elected commissioners. Districts are authorized to collect property taxes in compliance with limitations established in state law.

Public Hospital Districts tailor their services to their communities’ needs. While most do in fact operate hospitals, others, like ours, do not. They instead provide or support services such as primary care, emergency medical services, long-term care, physical therapy and wellness education.

Click here for a directory of Public Hospital Districts in Washington. (from AWPHD site)

Vashon Health Care District:

• Raises funds for health care services through an annual property tax levy.
• Serves as a catalyst for new initiatives and ideas to meet health care needs.
• Supports collaboration and partnerships to improve the health and wellness of island residents.
• Promotes community engagement and participation in addressing the health of the community.
• Responds to Vashon’s changing health care situation and needs – this is a dynamic process! 

Vashon Health Care District (VHCD) partners with health care providers across the island to ensure comprehensive health services for residents. The district provides funding to select organizations and agencies listed below:

Sea Mar Vashon Medical Clinic provides family medicine and behavioral health services and is part of the larger Sea Mar organization. The Vashon clinic is open to all patients, Monday-Friday 8-5, and takes most insurances. Sea Mar Clinic is not a walk-in or urgent care clinic, and all appointments are scheduled. Sea Mar Vashon also provides after-hours phone consultation with providers for established Sea Mar patients with medical concerns.

Vashon Natural Medicine provides primary, integrative, holistic health care for all ages, including pediatrics, Monday- Friday, 9-5. Their team of naturopathic doctors (NDs) and ARNPs focus on finding the root cause of illness, offering services like hormone balancing, nutrition support, herbal remedies, and specialized care for digestive, mental, and chronic health issues. 

DispatchHealth, funded by VHCD, provides mobile urgent care 365 days a year, 11-7, accepts most insurance, and treats 95% of the most common ER diagnoses at home. 

Vashon Island Fire and Rescue (VIFR) EMT’s and paramedics provide limited emergency care and transport to off-island emergency rooms and other facilities 24 hours a day by calling 911. 

Vashon Mobile Integrated Health (MIH), funded in part by the VHCD, provides community-based care that fills gaps between primary, urgent, and emergency care, Monday- Friday, 8-4:30, and is paid for by tax dollars, with no cost to patients. Staffed by RNs, a social worker, and a full-time physician assistant, Vashon MIH assists in managing chronic health conditions, navigating the healthcare system, or accessing social services. 

Vashon Youth and Family Services (VYFS) provides mental health care to youth, adults, and families on the island. Their services include counseling, family support, community-based case management, substance use disorder treatment and crisis intervention. They collaborate with other agencies to identify community members with multiple support needs, and is receives funding from the VHCD.

Vashon Be Prepared is a federally recognized non-profit coalition of disaster preparedness organizations. It works in conjunction with VIFR and volunteer organizations to plan and train for emergency responses to island disasters. Among the groups is the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a volunteer group of healthcare professionals who respond to healthcare needs, most recently during the COVID outbreak.

Vashon DOVE Project provides counseling and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as community education and violence prevention training. DOVE’s mental health therapists provide services to anyone affected by trauma, and receive funding from the VHCD.

Vashon Pharmacy now provides comprehensive clinical services, including the management of chronic conditions and the treatment of uncomplicated acute conditions, in addition to its traditional vaccination and medication dispensing services. They accept some insurance, and visits are available by appointment. 

Neighborcare School Clinic provides medical, dental, and mental health services by appointment on weekdays throughout the school year, with availability before, during, and after school hours. The clinic operates on the school calendar and is closed when school is not in session, including holidays. Services are provided at no cost to students. The clinic bills insurance when available, but no student is denied care due to lack of coverage.