San Juan Islands Healthcare Foundation launches support for vulnerable islanders
Published 1:30 am Thursday, April 2, 2026
Submitted by the San Juan Islands Healthcare Foundation.
The San Juan Islands Healthcare Foundation announces its recent launch of a bold mission: to provide compassionate health care support to seniors and vulnerable adults facing critical needs in our island community.
Including professionals in emergency services, social services, facility-based elder care and home-based care, the foundation is uniquely positioned to address urgent service gaps where other support ends. Formed in 2024, the foundation is run by volunteers, so every dollar raised goes directly to care services, meaningful experiences or foundational health care infrastructure. Its mission reflects a deeply held belief in a community where dignity, safety and human connection are accessible to all.
The foundation’s mission is three-fold:
Healthcare Funding for Crisis Support
One goal of SJIHF is to bridge the affordability gap for islanders facing health care crises. With home care costs beginning at $55 per hour and facility care exceeding $6,000 per month, the foundation intends to intervene to secure interim care and resources. Donations to date may be used for this purpose and others, where islanders are left without financial solutions at the time of a health care crisis or surprise setback.
The “Life Wish Fund” to Support Joy and Dignity
Whether it’s reuniting with loved ones or experiencing simple pleasures, another foundation mission is to help meaningful wishes come true for islanders who’ve lacked such opportunities. The average wish is expected to cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Healthcare Worker Housing
The foundation’s loftiest goal is to contribute to affordable housing solutions for health care professionals and their families — a key investment in bolstering long-term community care capacity.
Scope and vision
While SJIHF currently serves San Juan Island specifically, it has its sights set on expanding across the islands as abilities evolve. Collaborations with the Community Foundation — providing donation processing and accounting — and with San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1, exemplify SJIHF’s commitment to collective, community-centered health care solutions. Importantly, the foundation operates as an independent nonprofit and is not formally part of these entities. Decisions about assistance are made on a case-by-case basis by the board of directors.
Referrals to the foundation must come from local service providers or community agencies — individuals may not apply directly.
For more information about donation opportunities, partnerships or mission initiatives, please visit SJIHF.org or reach out via email.
