The 2009 Linda Lee Martens Memorial Health Hero of Island County Award was recently presented to the Whidbey General Hospital Auxiliary for “40 years of devotion to a cause benefiting generations of Whidbey Island residents.”

In the ceremony, the organization’s work was described as “a formidable force for the advancement of health care in our community, and epitomizes the cause for which this award was established.”

The award winner was selected by the Island County Community Health Advisory Board and the Board of Health.

Every year for the past 40 years the public hospital’s administration presents a “Wish List” at the auxiliary’s annual business meeting. Needed equipment items are identified and requested. Funds raised by the auxiliary, through their guilds and the gift shop, are then donated to the hospital in the form of equipment items the hospital needs but cannot otherwise afford to purchase.

In the past 40 years, the Whidbey General Hospital Auxiliary has donated over $800,000 in the form of medical equipment and scholarships for Whidbey Island students who want to enter a health care career field.

“These equipment items have improved the quality of care and the delivery of care at Whidbey General, and have made an immeasurable contribution to the health of our Whidbey Island citizens. The scholarships have helped create new generations of health care providers nationwide,” states the commendation.