Spotlight: Introducing Mobile Integrated Healthcare on Orcas

A new pilot from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, supported by OIHCD

On an island with no hospital, care often starts too late. Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is launching a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) pilot to reach neighbors at home before small problems become emergencies. OIHCD is proud to support this project financially, alongside other funding partners.

MIH brings care directly to residents in their homes. Rather than waiting for a 911 emergency, the MIH team works proactively with people who have frequent medical needs, chronic conditions, or barriers to accessing care. The goal is to help residents stay healthy, avoid unnecessary emergency room visits, and connect with the right resources at the right time.

Rooted in community voice

OIHCD's investment in MIH started with listening to the needs expressed by our community. In 2025, OIHCD held a stakeholder engagement process, gathering input from community partners including Senior Services, the Orcas Island Community Resource Center, The Clinic, and Orcas Island Fire and Rescue. Again and again, partners described the same gaps: neighbors falling through the cracks between appointments or after trips to the emergency room, and too many fly-offs that earlier support at home could have prevented. MIH rose to the top as a way to address those needs.

This launch is OIHCD following through on what we heard. We're committed to investing  where our partners and neighbors say they'll matter most. 

Where we are now

The MIH team has been selected and is preparing for launch. An RN, two EMTs, and a paramedic bring years of experience caring for residents of our community. A dedicated vehicle is being outfitted with the equipment and supplies needed to provide care in the field. Team members recently attended their first MIH conference, where they learned from established programs about building strong community partnerships and effective care models. The program is on track to begin seeing patients by the end of October.

Looking ahead

At launch, the program will accept referrals from within the fire department, giving the team room to refine its processes and ensure high-quality care. In winter 2027, the program looks forward to expanding to accept referrals from medical providers and community organizations. Neighbors and community organizations are often the first to notice when someone is struggling, whether it's a senior having trouble managing medications, a resident who keeps landing in the ER, or someone who simply doesn't know where to turn. As the program grows, it aims to become one more way our community looks out for each other. We'll share more as MIH gets underway.

To learn more or explore a partnership, please contact Debra O'Conner at 206-276-5805 or doconner@orcasfire.org.

 

 We're on Facebook and Instagram — follow along for health care news, community moments, and updates between newsletters.

Upcoming Board Meetings

Monday October 19, 2026 – 5:00 - 7:00 PM @ Orcas Island Community Foundation

Meeting Information Here: https://www.orcashealth.org/2026-10-19-board-meeting-special

Thursday November 12, 2026 - 4:30 - 6:30 PM @ Orcas Island Community Foundation