Emergency Services Project

Island Health has undergone a major update to facilities to enhance emergency services so you, your loved ones and neighbors have access to emergency care when needed most. Island Health has relocated the helicopter pad from the north parking lot to the roof of our Acute Care Unit. This project also includes updates to the […]

Dr. Pinson: From Grateful Patient to Esteemed Surgeon at Island Health

Born in Portland and raised in Anacortes, Dr. Pinson is part of six generations who have called this coastal community home. His father was delivered by Dr. Sam Brooks (Island Health’s Birth Center is named after Dr. Sam Brooks’ son, Dr. Thomas Brooks) then continued on and served as the town’s mayor from 1952 – […]

Celebrating Doctor’s Day

MAKE A GIFT IN HONOR OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CAREGIVER This Doctors Day, we invite you to join us in celebrating the extraordinary physicians who make a difference in our lives. One such physician, Dr. Garde, remembers the moment she knew she wanted to become a doctor. At just eight years old, she sat in […]

Growing a Community of Excellence through Furthering Education

In 2018, lifelong friends Jerry and Jan Barto, alongside Jan Iversen (spouse), established the Colonel Richard Iversen Scholarship to honor the memory of the late Colonel Richard Iversen. A man of integrity, dedication, and service, Colonel Iversen left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Inspired by his legacy, the Barto’s sought to create […]

Excellent Care Inspires a Legacy of Generosity

Arleta Rae Allen’s commitment to community healthcare inspired her decision in 2004 to name the Island Health Foundation as a beneficiary in her will and trust. This generous bequest came six years before Island Health saved her life in 2010. Reflecting on that time, Arleta shared, “I had a stroke in 2010. I was taken […]

A Breath of Fresh Air

A distinguished ophthalmologist who worked at Island Hospital for 34 years, Dr. Chambers’ compassionate care and expertise endeared him to countless patients. But, his impact goes well beyond the examination room, and with over 50 years of service as a Rotarian, he continues to make a mark on the health and well-being of Anacortes. In […]

Breathe Life into Local Healthcare: A Call to Support Lung and Pulmonology Services

At 41 years old, Commander Dave Harris, was preparing for a practice flight to Fallon, CA with the VAQ 132 Squadron on NAS Whidbey. It was December 16, 2016 and due to a technical malfunction, the cockpit of his EA-18G Growler suddenly pressurized with no release, collapsing his lungs. Both of Commander Harris’ lungs had […]

Emergency Services Project Dollar-For-Dollar Match Results

When an anonymous local community member received life-saving care at the Island ED, they were so grateful for their care that they decided to make a difference. Together, your gift and this grateful patient’s dollar-for-dollar match raised over $51,850 during September to support the Emergency Services Project at Island Health. Your support is transforming emergency […]

A Big Impact At The Center of Healthcare

Thanks to the upgraded diagnostic technology purchased with over $382,000 ‘Heartstrings’ funds raised at the 2023 Gala of Hope, philanthropy is making a powerful impact on the quality of healthcare services available in your community. What began with the raising of a paddle is now providing: High Resolution Mammography MRI Patient Monitor Trauma X-Ray Detector […]

Transformative Diabetes Education at Island Health

Currently, over 38 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes and that number continues to rise both nationally and in your community. In fact, Skagit County’s diabetes prevalence rate is 11%, making it 2% higher than the Washington State average of 9%, meaning that there is a higher prevalence of diabetes and […]