Kira Erickson reports from the Island County Board of Health meeting of Tue., Feb. 17, 2026 for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
Summary by Perplexity AI
Island County Public Health Deputy Director Taylor Lawson presented a preview of the department’s 2025 Impact Report to the Board of Health. Key highlights include: over 870 families served through community health programs such as WIC and dental access; more than 1,800 environmental permits issued; 380 communicable disease cases investigated; 601 food inspections conducted; 203 sewage violations corrected; and 5,234 COVID test kits distributed. The dental access program served 41 children, prompting concern from commissioners about unmet need; Lawson noted the program is run by one staff member and is limited by providers’ Medicaid participation. The full Impact Report has not yet been published.
They Said It
Commissioner Janet St. Clair wondered if the dental program receives more requests than the county is able to accommodate, expressing concern that only 41 children were provided access to dental care.
“It’s a critical issue for the long-term health outcomes of a kid,” she said.
Lawson responded that the program is supported by one staff member who works with families that may already have dental care established, which could account for the low number.
Public Health Director Shawn Morris added that providers have to accept Apple Health Medicaid, and some of them have opted out.
