Health & Healthcare Access in Mason County
With just one primary care doctor for every 3,590 residents, Mason County families face real barriers to getting the care they need. Karen Sullivan will fight to strengthen healthcare access across our rural community.
The Challenge We Face
Healthcare access in Mason County lags far behind the rest of Washington State.
Mason County is a rural community of approximately 68,000 residents spread across more than 1,000 square miles. While that rural character is part of what makes this county special, it also creates serious challenges when it comes to healthcare. The county's primary care physician ratio of 3,590:1 is more than three times worse than the Washington state average of 1,180:1 — meaning many residents must travel long distances or wait weeks for an appointment.
The gaps extend beyond primary care. Mason County has one dentist for every 2,820 residents compared to the state average of 1,170:1, and one mental health provider for every 360 residents compared to 220:1 statewide. These shortages hit hardest in the most remote parts of the county, where transportation barriers compound the problem.
Around 70% of patients at Mason Health rely on Medicare or Medicaid to pay for their care — a reflection of the county's aging population and lower median incomes. Any changes to these federal programs directly threaten the financial sustainability of the rural hospitals and clinics that serve our community.
3,590:1
Patient-to-physician ratio
360:1
Mental health provider ratio
70%
Patients on Medicare/Medicaid
13%
Adults under 65 uninsured
Challenges Facing Mason County
Provider Shortages Across the Board
Mason County faces critical shortages of primary care physicians, dentists, and mental health providers. The patient-to-physician ratio of 3,590:1 is more than three times the state average, while the dentist ratio of 2,820:1 is nearly 2.5 times worse. These shortages mean longer wait times, fewer choices, and residents who delay or forgo care entirely. Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in a rural area requires competitive incentives and community support.
Mental Health and Substance Use
The Mason County Community Health Assessment identifies mental health and substance use as top priorities for 2026-2028. With a mental health provider ratio of 360:1 compared to the state average of 220:1, many residents who need behavioral health services face long waits or must travel outside the county for care. The fentanyl crisis has intensified demand for both treatment and crisis intervention services.
Rural Hospital Sustainability
With approximately 70% of patients relying on Medicare or Medicaid, Mason County's healthcare facilities depend heavily on federal reimbursement programs. The Critical Access Hospital designation and Rural Health Clinic programs are essential lifelines — without them, rural healthcare across Washington and the nation would be under threat. Any changes to these programs or to Medicaid eligibility could have an outsized impact on Mason County.
Healthcare Access in Remote Areas
Many Mason County residents live far from the nearest clinic or hospital. Limited public transportation, long travel distances, and spotty broadband coverage (which restricts telehealth options) compound the challenge. The recent expansion of Peninsula Community Health Services to the Belfair, Tahuya, and Dawatto areas through Mason County Public Hospital District 2 is a positive step, but more work is needed to ensure all residents can access care close to home.
Karen’s Approach to Health
Practical steps to expand access and strengthen rural health infrastructure.
Karen Sullivan believes that healthcare is foundational to a thriving community. As a financial advisor who has spent 14 years serving Mason County families, she has seen firsthand how health challenges affect financial stability and quality of life. She will bring that same practical, people-first perspective to healthcare policy as commissioner.
Support Provider Recruitment and Retention
Karen will work with hospital districts and community health organizations to develop strategies for attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in Mason County. This includes supporting loan repayment programs, housing assistance, and other incentives that make rural practice viable and rewarding.
Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Karen supports expanding county-funded behavioral health services, strengthening partnerships with tribal nations and community organizations, and pursuing state and federal grants for crisis intervention, treatment, and prevention programs. Mental health and substance use are top community health priorities, and the county must lead the response.
Protect Rural Health Infrastructure
Karen will advocate at the state and federal level to protect Critical Access Hospital designations, Rural Health Clinic programs, and Medicaid funding that Mason County's healthcare system depends on. She will work to ensure our local hospitals and clinics remain financially sustainable and able to serve the community.
Improve Access Through Broadband and Telehealth
Telehealth can bridge the gap for residents in remote areas, but only if broadband connectivity is available. Karen will champion broadband expansion — a priority that connects directly to her infrastructure agenda — to enable telehealth services that bring care closer to home for residents who currently face long drives for routine appointments.
Strengthen the County Public Health Department
As a commissioner, Karen will prioritize adequate funding and staffing for Mason County Public Health and Human Services. Preventive care, health education, and community health programs are cost-effective investments that improve outcomes and reduce the burden on emergency services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about health and healthcare in Mason County.
Related Issues
Health connects to many of the challenges facing Mason County.
Help Build a Healthier Mason County
Karen Sullivan is committed to expanding healthcare access for every resident of District 3. Join the campaign to support a healthier community.