Linda Lee Martens Community Health Hero Award

Who Do You See Making a Difference?

A Community Health Hero is a person of distinguished courage or ability admired for their noble qualities … a person who, in the opinion of others, is regarded as a model to be emulated. Most heroes live and work among us without much notice, but we all know who they are and it’s only fitting that we publicly recognize and honor them.

In difficult times, local heroes can be just the inspiration we need. Island County’s Community Health Advisory Board (CHAB) and the Board of Health honor individuals who go the extra mile to help others in need. The Linda Lee Martens Community Health Hero Award is named for the late executive secretary of our local Health Department. Martens was a president of Soroptimists International and a memorable participant in many local activities. She was a hero because she was an ordinary person with an extraordinary love for others.

Award Criteria

The Linda Lee Martens Memorial Community Health Hero of Island County Award Criteria recognizes an adult, youth (under age 21 when action completed), or agency that has either directly or indirectly impacted community health. Nominees are selected based on:

Category of contribution(s) and relative importance
Urgency of the problem(s) addressed
Number of people affected
Scope of project(s): ($$, people enlisted, time involved, etc.)
Results: (actual or realistically expected insofar as being measurable)

(If a nominee’s efforts involve(d) professional duties, they should be above/beyond normal expectations.

Mitch Incarnato

(Individual) – Mitch Incarnato for his many years, and many hours, of service in Island County, including being a court-appointed special advocate involving volunteering his time for the best interest of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. Mitch also volunteers with his local food bank, Hospice, Sound Water Stewards, Equestrian Crossings, Camp Erin Children’s Bereavement Camp, Langley Whale Center and Hearts and Hammers

2019 Health Hero Special Recognition

Faith Wilder (Individual) – Faith Wilder, for her volunteer role as the Whidbey Homeless Coalition Board president and leading the development and operation of The Haven shelter.
Mark Phibbs (Individual) – Mark Phibbs, for many years of service to Camano residents through Mark’s Pharmacy. He went above and beyond in many ways to ensure residents had the medication, supplies and information they needed.

Christin McCausland (Individual) – Christine McCausland, for years of service at SeaMar going above and beyond in her position and collaboration with community partners to better serve her clients.
Wildcat Robotics Team (Group) – Wildcat Robotics Team for the students’ commitment to service of their community, and the time and skills dedicated to addressing homelessness.

WhidbeyHealth Engineering Team (Group) – WhidbeyHealth Engineering Team or its above and beyond service during WhidbeyHealth’s construction and snow storm to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors.

2017 Award Winners

Individual & Group Award Winners

Lynn Willeford,
Adult Individual Award Winner - Supported the start of seven nonprofits serving Island County, including Friends of Friends Medical Support, Hearts and Hammers, Back to School Project, Whidbey Island Local Lending and South Whidbey At Home.

Camano Country Club Volunteers, Group Award Winner - A group of 50 volunteers, together providing annually 4000 hours of service, support the Camano Island Country Club in promoting exercise rehabilitation, and community connectedness to Camano Island residents of all ages.

2017 Special Recognition - Individuals

Barbara Brock: Original member of the Water Resource Advisory Committee recognized for her 18 years of service
Casey Scott-Mitchell: Prevention and Education Manager at CADA who has gone above and beyond her position to educate the community about interpersonal violence, and advocate for victims

Jason McDermott: Began a challenge little league team for kids with developmental and/or physical disabilities
Laiza Ramos: Established a Hispanic support group at the Toddler Learning Center for families with children with developmental and/or physical delays.

Carmen McFadyen: Long-time community volunteer, including the WhidbeyHealth Foundation Board, Windermere Foundation, schools, Boys and Girls Club, Soroptimist International, and Coupeville's Neighborhood Emergency Team.

2017 Special Recognition - Groups

Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions: Volunteer peer to peer mentorship program that creates healthy alternatives for sailors, civilians and families to promote physical and mental wellness
Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association: Collection and donating clothing, toiletries, food, blankets and other necessary items to clients served by Island County Human Services.

Toddler Learning Center: Assisting families and children through early years of learning for children with developmental delays.
Community Resources Foundation: Organization serving Camano Island residents that provides resource referral and support, English as a Second Language classes, Family Budgeting classes, a Mobile Dental Clinic, Teen Center, Lego Robotics, and teen "ready to work" mentor program.

Gifts from the Heart Food Bank Volunteers: Established the "Meals 2 Kids" program to provide low-income students at Coupeville School District with bags of food for the weekend.
Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church: First host site for The Haven Overnight Emergency Shelter