Women of Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties have an excellent option for healthcare that isn’t well-known up here — Citrine Health. Formerly the Positive Women’s Network, this one-stop wellness and health center has been in operation for 20 years. Executive Director Kerri Mallams said, “We changed the name because we also have programs for men.” There are several programs under Citrine’s umbrella — the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program, the Women’s Wellness Center, the Bra Shop and Food Assistance. The Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program assists women financially and emotionally through biopsies, screenings, mammograms, colonoscopies and more. The Women’s Wellness Center is a fitness, nutrition and wellbeing center that provides fitness equipment, personal trainers, nutritional counseling, massage, hypnotherapy, belly dancing, barre, yoga, reiki and other services to members on a sliding scale. “The scale slides to zero,” said Mallams, giving women of all financial levels and differing backgrounds much-needed access.
The newest addition to Citrine Health is The Bra Shop, which supplies women (and men) post-mastectomy with low-cost or free prosthetics. “Women on Medicaid and Medicare have no place to go north of Seattle for prosthesis.” Fitting women with prosthetics requires certification, for which The Bra Shop is finalizing the application process. Until then, there is no aid to them for providing the service. The fitting process takes approximately an hour for each person. Most of the prostheses are donated or gently used second-hand items. The American Cancer Society has also donated bras and prosthetics which, Millams said, “Has been a really great thing.”
Citrine’s physical home is The Wellness Center in Everett, which just moved to a newer, larger location. The bigger space gives the community a few more amenities. “Just across from The Bra Shop in our lobby is our consignment store.” The artwork is all by local women, and there is a huge fair trade area. “Fair trade is good for the people who make it, and great for those who buy it. It’s good for everyone involved.” There is also a low-cost event space which can be used for public meetings, nonprofits and other community events. Mallams is enthusiastic about serving the community in a broad, holistic way that includes community organizing, participation and more.
“We are unique,” Mallams said. “We grew to address needs as they appeared — food, healthcare, free trade and bras.” The benefit to the surrounding communities is tremendous.
Mallams and her staff are welcoming, open and approachable, making Citrine a great option for women seeking more than just a fitness center or a clinic, but well-rounded healthcare.
