Submitted by San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1.
On Nov. 2, residents voted for San Juan Island EMS to remain under the jurisdiction of San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1.
The District will seek to renew its San Juan Island EMS levy in the upcoming February 8, 2022, election. Currently, San Juan Island EMS is at the end of a six-year Levy, which will end December 31, 2022. Public Hospital District Superintendent Nathan Butler stated that “renewing the EMS Levy will be essential in ensuring that the Public Hospital District can continue to provide quality care and emergency response to San Juan County throughout the next six years.”
One of the most important benefits of the Levy renewal will include the continuation of its zero co-pay or co-insurance policy for ambulance services to San Juan Island residents. Chair Anna Lisa Lindstrum said, “Renewing the EMS levy will ensure that emergency medical services maintain its no out-of-pocket cost policy for all San Juan Island residents. Calling for help should never be hindered by the cost of service.”
San Juan Island EMS is currently looking for people supporting and opposing the EMS Levy renewal. Anyone interested in sharing their opinions or writing statement pieces for the election should reach out to Nathan Butler at nbutler@sanjuanems.org.
San Juan Island EMS wraps up 2021 with many accomplishments; some of the most important include paying off the entirety of its building bond, implementing new medical protocols, sending a long-time EMT to Seattle Medic One’s highly respected paramedic school, and the purchase of a new four-wheel-drive ambulance.
Some of the main objectives for San Juan Island EMS in 2022 include training new volunteer EMTs, updating and improving the EMS facility, and hiring a new Assistant Chief and Training Officer. For detailed information on San Juan Island EMS’s upcoming 2022 planning, reference the attached chart.
San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 currently operates San Juan Island EMS and pays a large subsidy to support PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center. The District will officially close its deal with the Village at the Harbor on February 28, 2022 to expand long-term care.
