We’re Listening, Lummi Island...Your Voice Matters

The Many Offerings at Lummi Island Health & Wellness

There’s something special about living on Lummi Island. Maybe it’s the rhythm of the tides, the ferry rides that separate us from the mainland, or the quiet understanding that we look out for one another here. It’s a place where neighbors matter, and where being heard matters just as much.

From the very beginning, listening has been at the heart of Lummi Island Health & Wellness (LIH&W). Before any programs were launched or classes were scheduled, there was a simple but powerful question: What do our neighbors truly need to live healthy, connected, and safe lives on this island?

To answer that, LIH&W partnered with PeaceHealth and students from Western Washington University to conduct a community needs assessment. And as many of you may remember, you showed up—in conversations, in surveys, and at The Gathering Place, where we shared a meal and reflected together.

What came through was clear and deeply rooted in island life. You spoke about access to healthcare and the real challenges of transportation. You shared your hopes for aging safely at home, surrounded by familiar views and meaningful connections. And just as importantly, you reminded us of something we all feel: that Lummi Island is strongest when neighbors support neighbors.

That feedback didn’t just sit on a shelf. It became the foundation for action.

Since then, LIH&W has been building and growing programs designed to meet those needs; preventive wellness classes that strengthen both body and mind, home safety initiatives that help reduce risk and increase confidence, and opportunities for connection that keep us from feeling isolated, especially during quieter seasons. With the help of early grant funding, community partners, and dedicated volunteers, what started as a vision quickly became something tangible.

And yet, as any islander knows, things don’t stand still for long.

Communities evolve. Needs shift. What worked yesterday might need a little adjusting tomorrow. That’s not a problem—it’s an invitation.

So, in 2026, LIH&W is once again turning to the community with open ears and an open heart. With anticipated support from PeaceHealth and the Chuckanut Health Foundation, a new community survey will be launching in the coming months.

This isn’t just about checking in—it’s about shaping what comes next.

We want to know what’s working well for you. Where are we making a difference? And just as importantly, where are we missing the mark? Are there barriers that make it harder to participate? Are there services or supports that would make daily life easier—for you or for someone you love?

One area we’re especially eager to hear more about is how we can better support our neighbors in aging in place—with health, wellness, dignity, and even joy. Because staying in the homes we love, in a community we cherish, is something many of us hope for, not just for ourselves, but for each other.

Your voice plays a vital role in making that possible.

When the survey arrives in the coming months, we hope you’ll take a few moments to share your thoughts. It’s one small act that helps guide big decisions—about programs, partnerships, and priorities that impact all of us.

If you’re curious to learn more about available programs or just want to talk with someone in person, stop by the Lummi Island Health & Wellness Resource Center. We’re open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and always happy to connect.

Because at the end of the day, this work isn’t just about services—it’s about people. It’s about neighbors caring for neighbors, listening to one another, and building a healthier, more connected Lummi Island together.

We’re listening. And we’re so glad you’re part of the conversation.

Lummi Island Health & Wellness exists to create a system of health and wellness resources that helps island residents of all ages thrive and build resilience through life’s changes. Our vision is a connected, caring community where every neighbor has access to the support they need to live safely, age in place with dignity, and experience a true sense of well-being.