Neighbors Caring for Neighbors: A Reflection from Pam Gould

Living on Lummi Island for more than 50 years has taught me something important: island life is built on neighbors supporting neighbors.

Over the decades, I’ve been helped and able to support so many Island friends during both difficult times and joyful ones. That sense of community is what inspired me, nearly 10 years ago, to join a small group of like-minded islanders, many of us newly retired or nearing retirement from healthcare professions, to create what would become Lummi Island Health & Wellness.

At the beginning, our efforts were simple and grassroots. We organized health fairs and shared information about services and resources available to islanders. During the Covid pandemic, we helped coordinate yearly immunization clinics on the Island. We simply saw needs in our community and wanted to help.

"Watching this organization grow has been truly amazing."

Today, Lummi Island Health & Wellness has a Resource Center that supports a wide range of programs and services for our community. These include health and wellness classes, telehealth support, help navigating online patient portals, Home Safety resources and training, free grab bars and installation assistance, we partner with the Fire Department for immunization clinics and CPR and AED classes for island caregivers, and schedule monthly visits from Northwest Regional Council senior service advisors. We also have patient advocates available to help islanders navigate complex health issues and life changes.

"What continues to inspire me most is the spirit behind all of it"

As islanders, we value our independence. But we also understand how important it is to lean on one another in times of crisis, recovery, and celebration. The strength of this community has always come from the willingness of neighbors to show up for each other.

It has been a true pleasure to support the community I love for so many years. Because of that, I remain deeply committed and honored to serve on the Board of Lummi Island Health & Wellness.

Find out more about Lummi Island Health & Wellness at www.lummihw.or, or stop by the Resource Center Monday-Thursday 9-Noon.