The Sequim Free Clinic, also known as the Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic, which opened in 2001 and is supported by donations from a caring community and foundations as well as Olympic Medical Center in-kind contributions, honored OMC CEO Eric Lewis with its 2018 Beitzel Award in the spring.

Clinic officials established the Beitzel Award in 2012, an honor that recognizes the highest level of service, impact, long term benefit, leadership and innovation. The award is named for John and Amanda Beitzel.

Lewis served nine years on Sequim Free Clinic’s board and was instrumental in moving the clinic into present building from the original Parish house in 2008, greatly expanding service potential, establishing the Chronic Care Clinic, helping the clinic get financial records organized, and establishing a supportive relationship from OMC and putting dental, lab and X-ray services in place, clinic representatives say.

As a result of the clinic’s progress it received the 2010 Washington Hospital Association Annual Award.

Lewis continues to participate in Sequim Free Clinic Fun Walks and annual volunteer appreciation events.

“He is widely regarded as a team worker who is judicious, composed and generous,” clinic officials said in a press release. “Eric established a high level of trust among fellow Board Members and is known for his leadership skills, and presence and providing dependable direction for the Sequim Free Clinic. He has a high level of ‘emotional intelligence’ (the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically) and is dedicated to a high standard of health care for all on the Olympic Peninsula. Eric is generous with his time, available when asked.”

The award was presented to Lewis during an OMC Board of Commissioners meeting on April 4, and the award was announced to clinic volunteers and donors at the annual volunteer/donor appreciation event on April 21.

Pictured, from left, are Ralph Elston, Board President for the Sequim Free Clinic; Eric Lewis, CEO for Olympic Medical Center, and Sara Nicholls, Executive Director of the Sequim Free Clinic. Submitted photo