Orcas Community Resource Center

Oftentimes islanders struggle to pay for past or ongoing medical bills and access available medical financial assistance programs. Navigating health insurance enrollment and medical travel coordination can be overwhelming. 

Orcas Community Resource Center’s new Health Services Specialist position offers this support and so much more!  OCRC and our Health Services Specialist, Kyra Dyer, are here to help. This position was created in early 2022 to meet the ever growing need for health related services. In 2021, OCRC served 602 households, many of whom were among the 3,689 medical and health related services provided. Clients included seniors, disabled, veterans, families, individuals, and unsheltered clients. Some of these folks are among our community’s most vulnerable population. 

Recently, a long time islander with chronic health conditions received news that his prescription benefits had lapsed. OCRC staff worked with him and his insurance company to reinstate coverage. While waiting for application approval, our emergency assistance fund covered the cost of his most vital medications and ensured he did not experience any lapse in care. 

Earlier this year, a worried parent landed on our doorstep. Their medically fragile child suffers from a congenital disorder. OCRC was able to help coordinate medical transportation and work with them to obtain health insurance for their child. They have since been able to receive necessary treatment in Seattle and not have the burden of transportation or uninsured healthcare costs.  

Kyra is confident her time and efforts are making a difference in the community. One client recently expressed to her, “You just don't know how much this means to have someone navigating the healthcare system alongside me. I’d be lost without your support.” Kyra enjoys being a part of the positive work taking place at the Resource Center everyday.  

In addition to help with applications for health insurance and medical financial assistance, OCRC connects eligible islanders to programs that increase overall health such as the Dental Van, Fresh Bucks, Farmers Market nutrition, a variety of food access programs, mental health therapy and much more.  Connecting islanders with the vast array of available health and nutrition programs falls right in alignment with OCRC’s heartfelt mission and has a positive effect on our community as a whole.  

As a grateful participant in the spring OICF Give Orcas campaign,  the Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC) seeks catalog funding for our Health Services position.  If you’d like to be a part of the OICF Give Orcas Campaign please consider a donation to the Orcas Community Resource Center or any of the other outstanding nonprofit organizations on the island. Visit the link below anytime May 2nd through May 16th. Keep your eye out for special game days with added bonuses for participating organizations. Thank you for supporting all of Orcas Island!