Luci B Community Wellness Van Launch Party on March 15 in Friday Harbor
SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 2, 2023 – The new Luci B Community Wellness Van will be unveiled at a Launch Party from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at the San Juan County Fairgrounds main building on San Juan Island. The van, named after community leader Lucinda Elizabeth Stewart Boyce (1835-1916), will allow San Juan County Health and Community Services to bring public health services to islanders. Services include 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, dental clinics, and more.
Lucinda was 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.
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.
The county believes that the 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.
The March 15 event, is an opportunity to see the completed van, learn what Luci B has to offer, and ask any questions you may have about the project. If you are unable to attend this event, you can watch the remarks portion of the event on the HCS Facebook livestream at 12:45 pm, https://www.facebook.com/SJCPUBLICHEALTH.
If you would like Luci B to come to your neighborhood, business, school, park, or event, reach out to our van coordinator at LuciBWellnessVan@sanjuanco.com or call 360-378-4474. If there’s a road, Luci B can be there.
Thanks to Carla Stanley for the winning design concept. The health department will work with a graphic designer to use the design concept for the van.