Eighty-one guests and recipients of the 12th Annual Linda Lee Martens Memorial Health Hero of Island County gathered May 21 at the Coupeville Performing Arts Center to celebrate individual and organizational volunteer services to residents of Island County.

Eleven individuals and two organizations nominated by their peers were officially recognized by the Island County Board of Health, for a total of 126 such recipients over the past 12 years. Seven community public service activities and individuals were also formally commended for their collaboration in providing equipment and training in CPR and the use of automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) units that were procured with funds secured by the Whidbey Hospital Foundation. On South Whidbey, adult recognition recipients included Michele Bolvin, Brian Grimm and Gwen Parrick; youths who were recognized include Anna Lynch and Rohini Mikkelsen.

This annual event is sponsored by the Community Health Advisory Board to recognize individual adults, youths and agencies that have reached beyond their routine activities to directly or indirectly impact the health of others in such areas as personal health, environmental health, safety and quality of life. The legacy of Linda Lee Martens, for whom this award is named, is demonstrated by those honored with this recognition.

With these awards, the Community Health Advisory Board hopes to both honor committed citizens and their efforts and further its mission of assisting the Island County Board of Health in improving and maintaining the physical, mental and social well-being of others through collaboration with other community activities, agencies and organizations.