Submitted by the Orcas Family Health Center

When Governor Inslee gave the Stay Home Stay Safe order, the community was very compliant! As a result, patients who did not need acute care stayed home instead of making routine medical appointments. Orcas Family Health Center moved through the beginning of the pandemic cautiously in order to keep the staff healthy and protect our patients who did need to come in. OFHC saw about a 50 percent reduction in patient visits during the months of April, May, and June. In order to save payroll money and reduce related expenses, the office hours were adjusted accordingly, and our providers stayed “on call” 24/7 outside of those office hours.

As our county is moving into the next phases, we are expanding staff hours as patient’s needs dictate. As of July, the doors are back open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you do get our voicemail greeting, remember to leave a good phone number and your name when leaving a message. To reach a provider after hours, call the office number and follow the prompts. Please keep in mind that cell phone coverage can sometimes be unreliable.

OFHC is also working with San Juan County and the OIHCD on a COVID-19 testing plan-stay tuned.

Feel free to reach out to the office at questions@orcasfamilyhealthcenter.org, or 360-376-7778 if you have any questions or feedback you would like to offer. We appreciate all of you!