Submitted by Island Reproductive Health Initiative.

Some of you know Jean Henigson as a dancer, a teacher, a lover of the performing arts or a community activist; but one thing she poured her heart and soul into was working to create Island Reproductive Health Initiative (IRHI) in 2010. At the outset the impetus for developing IRHI was to prevent teen pregnancies. Jean felt excited to be one of a small Orcas group that evolved to address this long time need for our island.

The first goal was to offer confidential and affordable local reproductive healthcare for our young people. Thanks to generous donors, IRHI began funding the cost of contraceptive services, pregnancy tests and STD testing at our island clinics. Next came the support of the Orcas Island School District, which adopted the state approved Comprehensive Sexual Health Education curriculum, enabling IRHI volunteers to offer assistance to school staff in presenting some aspects of the curriculum for students. This also became the launch pad for an IRHI Teen Volunteer group.

Jean says she would be reenergized to spread the word each time she attended an IRHI teen meeting. “These students have such positive enthusiasm for learning how to safely, knowledgeably and responsibility take care of themselves in regard to sexual behavior and relationships. And they are strongly committed to helping other teens. They always inspire me, and give me hope.”

Over the past ten years Jean made it her own personal mission to raise community awareness about IRHI’s services. If you were shopping at the Island Market or in the lobby of Orcas Center during a performance intermission, she was quick to pull out an IRHI information card to pass along to anyone who might need its help or want to be a supporter. In fact, I met Jean several years ago on Lambing Day out at the Coffelt Farm. As soon as she introduced herself to me, the conversation quickly turned into an advertisement for IRHI and an invitation to their next meeting.

Looking back, Jean feels that IRHI could not have been such a big success without the dedication and support from our island healthcare providers, Ray’s Pharmacy, the businesses who’ve helped distribute condoms, Orcas High School administrators and teachers, our donors and especially, the staff of OICF and IRHI volunteers.

As 2020 comes to a close, Jean is stepping down from her position as IRHI Program Coordinator. When she asked me if I was ready to take the helm, I accepted on the condition that she would be a phone call away and serve in an Emeritus role. My goal is to keep our name and services highly visible via social media and partnering with other social services on the island.

Here’s to Jean, a legend here on Orcas who’s passion and devotion has kept IRHI’s mission alive and thriving in our community. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Find out more about IRHI on Facebook or on our website: IRHIorcas.weebly.com.