Libby Williams reports from a town hall hosted by Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair (D-Camano Island) on Thu., Apr. 24, 2025. Read the whole story.
Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair hosted a virtual town hall Thursday, April 24, where local leaders warned that proposed federal cuts could threaten health, nutrition and human services for thousands of vulnerable residents.
County Director of Public Health Shawn Morris and Director of Human Services Lynda Austin began the meeting by discussing the implications of federal cuts to nutrition, health and human services programs that serve those in need.
Representatives from North Sound Behavioral Health, Northwest Regional Council, and the Camano Center highlighted their partnerships with Island County Public Health and Human Services.
The Stanwood Camano Food Bank spoke about implications on food banks, while Utsalady Elementary principal Michael Hanna discussed the effects on schoolchildren.
They Said It
At the end of the meeting, St. Clair restated her goal of “giving a landscape” of the issues facing Island County to help navigate an uncertain future.
St. Clair urged participants to speak with friends and family about these issues, reach out to federal elected officials, donate and volunteer.
“I don’t want you leaving here feeling scared or helpless,” she said. “There are things any of us can be doing.”
“Please use your voice, use your talents and share with us in making sure these services continue.”
