Camano resident Janet St. Clair has been named to the Island County Community Health Advisory Board, which prioritizes and makes recommendations to the county’s Board of Health.

The advisory board addresses concerns that can affect both personal and public health, such as environmental issues, homelessness, poverty and abuse. Three seats are still vacant on a board that can have up to 21 members at a time; term appointments last three years.

St. Clair is semi-retired from a career in social work, most recently as a consultant and project manager with the Children’s Home Society of Washington, a child welfare organization. She’s also worked in California and Latin America and directed programs in child and family health, early learning, home visiting and senior services.

St. Clair would focus on integrating mental health, substance abuse and primary care services, Keith Higman, Island Health Services director, told the Board of Health in his recommendation letter.

She may also assist the county in leveraging opportunities related to transforming healthcare systems at the national and state level, including anticipated changes to the Affordable Care Act, explained Laura Luginbill, who provides health board staff support and is director of the county’s Assessment and Healthy Communities office.

Island County residents interested in applying for the health advisory board can find more information at the county’s webpage: www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/AHC/CHAB.