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.
• Maintains a commitment to a primary health care clinic on the island.
• Serves as a catalyst for new initiatives and ideas to meet healthcare 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) develops relationships with agencies and organizations on the island that provide health care services. There are a number of individuals providing direct health care, including dentistry, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic. and natural medicine. There are also agencies that address the underlying social determinants of health including housing, food, and shelter. VHCD hopes to develop more connections with these providers as we implement our new Strategic Plan.

Among the organizations or agencies providing direct health care are the following:

Sea Mar Vashon Medical Clinic provides family medicine and behavioral health services and is part of the larger Sea Mar organization. Sea Mar is a Federally Qualified Health Center system which focuses primarily on the needs of the underserved. The Vashon clinic is open to all patients, and takes most insurances. It is open Monday-Friday 8-5 and has some limited capacity for walk-in visits that are scheduled the same day. However, the 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 Island Fire and Rescue (VIFR) EMT’s and Paramedics provide limited emergency care and transport to off-island Emergency Rooms and other facilities. VIFR is developing a model for Mobile Integrated Healthcare that will provide in-home care for specific conditions.

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.

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 educations and violence prevention training. DOVE’s mental health therapists provide services to anyone affected by trauma.