Designs sought for County’s new community wellness van

Contributed photo

San Juan County Health & Community Services sends along their request for some help from San Juan Islands artists.

The Health & Community Services Department is getting a community wellness van that will allow us to take our public health services to our San Juan County community members where they live, work, and play. The Luci B Community Wellness Van will be used for immunization clinics, reproductive health counseling clinics, home- and community-visiting services, public health community outreach and education work, wellness and screening events, health and nutrition education events, public health emergency response efforts, and dental clinics.

We have named our community wellness van after Lucinda Elizabeth Steward Boyce (1835-1916). Lucinda served as a community leader on San Juan Island and as a role model for hundreds of women who braved the strenuous conditions of the island’s early settlement years. She arrived on San Juan Island in 1860 and served as a compassionate nurse and midwife, delivering more than 500 babies and venturing out in any weather (and to outer islands) to care for the sick and injured. Endurance, ingenuity, and a rugged physical and mental disposition were necessary for settler women to survive in the early days — but Lucinda didn’t just endure, she thrived. She stepped up and took on the roles of doctor, nurse, and midwife. Lucinda administered care to all who needed it, responding to medical calls any time of the night or day — regardless of the distance or weather. She would ride horseback or drive a buggy over harsh terrain, paddle a canoe, or take a rowboat to Orcas, Shaw, Stuart, or Waldron. Lucinda was known for her kindness and compassion to all.

We’ve chosen to name our new community wellness van Luci B in honor of Lucinda Boyce. We believe our team of public health staff carry on Lucinda’s mission and embody her determination, indomitable spirit, warmth, joy of living, and kindness for all persons — working to overcome all obstacles and promote wellness for those living in the San Juan Islands.

As you can see from the photo, our van does not have a design on the outside yet. Help us come up with a design concept for Luci B by submitting a contest entry now through Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at 5 p.m. Visit the wellness van section of our website for more details and information on how to submit your entry.

If you have questions, contact us by email or call 360-774-9350. All San Juan County residents are invited to apply. Children under the age of 18 must have parent permission to submit a contest entry. The winner of the design concept contest will be announced on or after Friday, Aug. 26 and will be recognized for their contribution to the new community wellness van project.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.