Editor,

I appreciate your recent coverage of the Community Health Advisory Board of Island County. This volunteer board, one of the longest standing such boards in Washington state, is a critical partner with the Island County Board of Health in strengthening healthy communities.

The current board includes many active and retired healthcare professionals including medical professionals, EMT/paramedics and hospital staff who were deeply involved in our efforts to vaccinate our community. One of the CHAB members coordinated the Medical Reserve Corps, our emergency response team throughout the pandemic.

Another CHAB member was an early state-approved vaccine provider and the first to offer vaccines on Camano Island while simultaneously opening a primary care clinic.

As the Community Health Advisory Board comes together after their four-month hiatus, I look forward to its work on health equity and supporting its primary responsibility for the Community Health Improvement Plan for Island County. I am deeply grateful for their service during the pandemic.

Janet St Clair, chairperson

Island County Board of Health

Island County Commissioner