During Dr. Chris Ingram’s leave, please be advised that Dr. Craig Mochson is providing medical coverage for Island Health Project through January 10, 2026. Dr. Mochson has served in this role in the past and is known to many Island residents. Office hours may vary week to week, so please check with the office staff.
In case of emergency, call Southold Dispatch – Fishers House Phone: 911 or Cell Phone: 631-765-2600.
Dr. Mochson can be reached for non-emergency, URGENT medical concerns that cannot wait until being seen in the office at (917) 653-3678.
Patients needing prescription refills are encouraged to plan ahead whenever possible to avoid delays.
https://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dr-Announcement.jpg672800Beth Jepsenhttps://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHP-logo-sidestack-3c.jpgBeth Jepsen2025-12-09 14:29:452025-12-09 16:28:30Dr. Craig Mochson Providing Medical Coverage Through January 10
As Chair of the Island Health Project (IHP) Board of Directors, I am writing to share important news. After 14 years of dedicated service, Dr. Ingram has submitted his resignation. We are working with Dr. Ingram to determine an effective date in 2026.
Dr. Ingram has provided exceptional, high-quality care to the island community during his tenure with IHP and his concern for and availability to his island patients are widely appreciated. Programs such as physical therapy, home health, and hospice services were developed as the need became apparent. He established a network of specialized physicians for referral on the mainland.
Memorably, Dr. Ingram thoughtfully responded to the 2020 COVID pandemic, orchestrating volunteers and systems to guide our island through a world health crisis. On behalf of the IHP Board, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Ingram for his years of attentive service and profound commitment to the health and well-being of our community.
Dr. Ingram states, “Our stay on the island has been a pleasure and professionally gratifying in a manner I could not have foreseen. I will continue to execute my duties diligently and assist to my abilities with a smooth transition.”
The continuity of care remains the highest priority for IHP. As Dr. Ingram’s departure plan develops, IHP has arranged for interim healthcare providers, if necessary, to serve the community as we begin a formal search for a long-term replacement. This process will be conducted with the support of a professional search firm and with a commitment to finding providers who are not only clinically skilled, but also a strong fit for our unique island setting.
Thank you for your trust in IHP and for your continued support as we move through this transition together. We understand that transitions in medical care can feel uncertain. Please know that the Doctor’s Office remains fully committed to your ongoing healthcare needs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Carol Blondel William Colman, MD Susie Ferguson Leslie Goss Katie Harris Leslie Hotchkiss Hayes, MD Sara McLean Malcolm Miller Isabel Phillips Sarah Rose
https://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/iSt-1350421341-announcement.jpg672800Beth Jepsenhttps://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHP-logo-sidestack-3c.jpgBeth Jepsen2025-11-11 20:06:062025-11-12 13:05:14Letter to the Community and Thank You to Dr. Ingram
The 54th Annual H.O.G. Tournament will be held at the Fishers Island Club to benefit the Island Health Project (IHP). Net proceeds from the tournament will support medical care for all Fishers Island residents and visitors. The tournament co-chairs this year are Lizzie & Taylor Boswell.
It is time for the H.O.G.!
Join the golfers and supporters of IHP on August 31st at the Big Club for the annual parade before the golf teams hit the course. All are invited to shop before the parade begins and throughout the day on the lawn.
H.O.G. merchandise will be for sale all day on the lawn
9:45 am Parade
10:30ish Players tee off in a shotgun start
4:45/5:00ish Awards will take place on the lawn following play
Check back for info on raffles and more!
A few reminders for this year:
Teams of six men, women, or co-ed are encouraged to dress up and have fun! You can participate in the parade, or just play!
There must be at least two Island residents on each team.
Brunch is included for H.O.G. golfers or sponsors.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels of giving.
Please contact the FIC Golf Shop (631) 788-7225 x2 for more information and to sign your team up!
Special 2025 Auction Items!
Auctioned off to the HIGHEST bidder on Sunday, August 31 at the HOG Awards.
At the end of 2024, the IHP Board voted unanimously to establish a Strategic Planning Committee to look at all aspects of the way we provide healthcare on Fishers Island. Our goal is to make sure we are doing the best job possible AND that we will be able to continue to do so into the foreseeable future.
In February, a five-member committee was appointed and immediately got to work searching for an outside consultant to guide us in our efforts. The Committee received proposals from five different firms and after careful deliberation, hired Stephen Pratt, President of Impact Catalysts, a Massachusetts-based firm that specializes in working with non-profits. Steve has extensive experience working with various types of medical organizations all over the country. He has family roots in the New London area and is familiar with Fishers Island.
Steve has already begun working with the Strategic Planning Committee to conduct a thorough review of all aspects of IHP’s operations, including organizational structure, staffing, management and governance practices, as well as financial history. To this end, he will be examining the practices of healthcare providers in similar environments, particularly including comparable small islands and isolated rural communities.
One of the most important aspects of this process will be gathering stakeholder input. In other words, we want to hear from YOU!
What do you think about IHP’s current operations?
What changes would you like to see?
Are there aspects of healthcare that you would like to see added to our current offerings?
To gather this information, Steve will be organizing focus groups and a community survey during the early summer months. The mission of IHP is to provide quality healthcare to all members of the Fishers Island community, but we need your feedback to make that happen. We want to hear from everyone; summer visitors as well as year-round residents and other island organizations.
We look forward to partnering together!
https://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Strategic-Planning.jpg6381038Beth Jepsenhttps://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHP-logo-sidestack-3c.jpgBeth Jepsen2025-05-20 16:08:532025-06-05 11:35:26Strategic Planning and Community Feedback
The Island Health Project team, from left: Di Shillo, RN; Chris Ingram, MD; Jamie Doucette, Becky Walters, and Molly Cypherd. Not pictured: Kapri Thomas, RN
Our close-knit community on Fishers Island often feels like family, and when you walk into the Doctor’s Office, you will be treated as such. We wanted to take this opportunity to introduce some of our team members on a more personal level. We hope you will appreciate their stories like we do!
Dianna “Di” Shillo, RN, Office Manager
If you’ve been to Island Health Project or anywhere around Fishers Island, chances are you know Di. As IHP’s Office Manager, school nurse, ferry commissioner, and all-around go-to person, Di wears more hats than most people can count—and somehow, she makes it look easy.
Di first came to Fishers Island in 1996 after working as a nurse in Pennsylvania. She’d met a friend, Jeanine Edwards, whose family had long ties to the island, and it didn’t take long for Di to fall in love with the community. She started out working at Race Rock and bartending at the Legion and Pequot while getting her nursing paperwork in order for Connecticut. Once that was complete, she jumped into night shifts at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, working in Labor & Delivery, and then transitioning part-time as an Ob/Gyn nurse.
For nearly a decade, Di balanced both jobs with energy and dedication. Eventually, she joined the IHP team, where she now helps keep the office running smoothly, day in and day out. Her work behind the scenes is just as impactful. She previously served for several years on the Walsh Park board and currently serves on the IHP Board. She is a current F.I. Ferry Commissioner and school nurse for the last ten years. Aside from her duties at the Doctor’s Office, she works alongside her husband at Z&S Contracting and Z&S Fuel and Service.
Di met her husband, Tom, at the Legion in 1997. They were married in 2001 at St. John’s Church, with a reception at the former “Windshield” property. Their son, David, now 23, grew up on the island graduating from the Fishers Island School in 2020. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2024 and is now 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. His dream of serving was supported by many on the island. “We were lucky to have the support of the community. It takes a village,” Di says. Di is also a loving stepmom to her son, Sean and daughter in law, Cristina, and recently welcomed their beautiful first granddaughter in November.
Beyond her professional roles, Di is a fierce supporter of her family and community. In 2012, her twin sister, Dee, moved to the island so the two could be close. They lived together for many of those years, sharing life side by side, including working at the Doctor’s Office where Dee practiced as a Registered Nurse as well. Dee passed away in October 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dee was a beloved part of island life — and is deeply missed by Di and the many people who knew and loved her.
Whether she’s running the IHP office, caring for students, helping to keep the ferry running, or pitching in wherever needed, Di brings grit, warmth, and a deep love for Fishers Island to everything she does. She’s more than a team member—she’s part of the island’s heartbeat.
If you’ve been to the Doctor’s Office, chances are you were welcomed by Jamie. With her calm presence and warm smile, Jamie brings a sense of ease and comfort to both patients and coworkers. Around here, we lovingly call her Wonder Woman. She splits her time between IHP and the Beach Plum office in what we jokingly refer to as a shared custody agreement, and we’re always glad when it’s “our time.”
Jamie first came to Fishers Island at the age of 16 and has been a devoted part of the community ever since. Sixteen years ago, she was hired by Sara McLean to join the IHP office. In addition to her front facing role in the office, Jamie provides administrative support to the IHP Board, and helps ensure our bookkeeping and records stay on track.
What Jamie loves most about her work is the unpredictability. “You never know what’s coming in or what the day will be like,” she says. “One moment I’m handling admin work, and the next I’m offering emotional support to a patient. Every day is different. I love our community.”
Need a same-day referral to a specialist? Jamie somehow pulls it off. She seems to know exactly the right words to say to the insurance carrier or scheduler on the other end of the phone. It’s part experience, part determination, and maybe a little bit of magic.
Her dedication to the community extends beyond the clinic. Jamie has served on the Fishers Island school board for 12 years — 9 of those as President — helping shape and support local education with the same care she brings to her work.
Outside of the office, Jamie holds another cherished title: Mimzee, the name her two grandsons lovingly call her (and yes, it’s proudly on her license plate!). She loves to unwind by puttering in her garden, reading a good book, and soaking up the fresh spring air.
A huge thanks to both Di and Jamie for sharing their stories with us! We are lucky to have you.
https://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IHP-Team-Spring2025_3023.jpg7481280Beth Jepsenhttps://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHP-logo-sidestack-3c.jpgBeth Jepsen2025-05-20 15:40:012025-06-05 11:35:34Caring for Your Family, Like Family
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, people across the country will be encouraged to support organizations close to their hearts. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, known as Giving Tuesday, is one of the biggest fundraising days of the year.
It is only through the generosity of our community that IHP is able to provide exceptional health services. Gifts provide the vast majority of our operating budget, allowing us to keep services on-island and help us plan for future innovative and effective healthcare enhancements.
We hope you will consider supporting IHP on Giving Tuesday!
Getting a flu shot is one of the very best ways to fight infection. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, and it’s particularly important for those at higher risk of complications.
Eat Well.
“Immune-boosting foods include those rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers, broccoli) and Vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified foods, or a supplement). You can also cook with immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, ginger, and turmeric.”
Manage Stress.
“Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises can combat stress and help your immune system function at its best. It’s also important to prioritize your sleep – aim for 7-9 hours per night.”
These practices can help you stay strong, energized, and healthy during the colder months!
https://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Staying-healthy-3-tips.jpg9601280Beth Jepsenhttps://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHP-logo-sidestack-3c.jpgBeth Jepsen2024-11-29 22:40:102025-05-14 22:57:12Staying Healthy this Winter
It is with deep sadness that we share Deanna “Dee” Ross passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024 after her courageous and hard-fought battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by all the love of family and friends near and far.
A resident of Fishers Island since 2013, Dee was a valuable member of IHP’s team as an RN and home caregiver, fundraising volunteer, and, most recently, bookkeeper. For nearly a decade, she was the island’s unofficial 24/7 on-call nurse. She always asked how others were doing.
Dee was an integral part of the Island Health Project family and a friend to all of us. She will be dearly missed.
For more information about ways to honor Dee’s memory, please see the In Memoriam here.
https://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dee_Ross.jpg9601280Beth Jepsenhttps://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHP-logo-sidestack-3c.jpgBeth Jepsen2024-11-28 22:19:322024-11-30 23:42:04Remembering Dee Ross
We are excited to launch a new seasonal newsletter for IHP! Use this link to join our mailing list and stay up-to-date with IHP news and events throughout the year:
The 53rd H.O.G. Tournament was held at the Fishers Island Club to benefit the Island Health Project. Net proceeds from the tournament support medical care for all Fishers Island residents and visitors.
Thank you to our volunteers, players, shoppers, and fans for supporting IHP!
Co-Chairs – Taylor & Lizzie Boswell
H.O.G.
Golfers and supporters of IHP gathered on September 1st at the Big Club for the annual parade before the golf teams hit the course. All were invited to shop before the parade began and throughout the day on the lawn.
H.O.G. merchandise was for sale all day on the lawn
9:45 am Parade
10:30ish Players tee’d off in a shotgun start
4:45/5:00ish Awards took place on the lawn following play
A few reminders:
Teams of six men, women, or co-ed are encouraged to dress up and have fun! You can participate in the parade, or just play!
There must be at least two Island residents on each team.
Brunch is included for H.O.G. golfers or sponsors.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels of giving.
Please contact the FIC Golf Shop (631) 788-7225 x2 for more information and to sign your team up!
Special Auction Items!
Auctioned off to the HIGHEST bidder on Sunday, September 1 at the HOG Awards Ceremony.
Save the Date!
The 54th H.O.G. Tournament will take place on Sunday, August 31, 2025!
https://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/HOG-pig-flag-2024_9917.jpg7151000Beth Jepsenhttps://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHP-logo-sidestack-3c.jpgBeth Jepsen2024-09-08 18:57:522024-09-30 10:31:1753rd H.O.G. Tournament: September 1, 2024
The Island Health Project would like the island community to be aware of recent policy changes that impact the families of persons who pass away while on the Island.
It has come to our attention that the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics requires a “Burial-Transit Permit” for bodies to be transported across state lines. In this case from New York to Connecticut. The family must complete a Biographical Data Sheet (BDS) (accessible through this link and the link button below) for the IHP to apply for the Burial-Transit Permit.
Any person who passes on Fishers Island will require this document to be completed and then processed by the Suffolk County town clerk before their body can be transported to a funeral home in Connecticut. If this document is not completed, the deceased will have to remain in their home, supervised by the family, until Suffolk County comes to collect them. Their body, in this case, would be transferred to Long Island rather than to a nearby Connecticut funeral home.
The IHP is encouraging everyone in our Fishers Island community – island residents and seasonal residents alike – to take a few minutes to complete this BDS form.
You may access and print the document from the blue link above and below although it is also available at the IHP Office.
In addition to using this information to obtain the Burial-Transit Permit, these are the very questions that a funeral home needs answered to complete a death certificate.
Once your BDS is complete and returned to IHP, the information will be uploaded into EPIC, Yale Healthcare’s electronic medical records system, and securely stored. The information will then be accessible to us should it become necessary. The hard copy will be shredded.
Again, please take the time now to complete this form for yourself and members of your household. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Kapri Thomas, BSN, RN, EMT Island Health Project Fishers Island, NY
Two additional Year-Round Patient Care Attendants join our Island Health Project Home Care Initiative
Underwritten by a generous donation from Islanders for Islanders, Sue Lusker and Janelle Senator have completed a 5-day New York State certification program as Patient Care Attendants in a training program run by Shelter Island Homecare on Long Island.
Janelle and Sue have joined the IHP Home Care Initiative staff, supervised by Dianne Kapri Thomas, RN, in what is hoped to be a further expanding group of home care providers to attend to home health care needs of the year-round and seasonal members of the Fishers Island community.
To date, home care needs have been paid for by families “out-of-pocket”. With this NYS certification, the IHP Home Care Initiative can bill through Shelter Island Home Care should a patient have long-term care insurance and for home care services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.
For any community members interested in completing the training course and joining the IHP Home Care Initiative staff, please contact Dianne Kapri Thomas at 917-561-5129. Kapri is also available to discuss care options with families for whom home care might be desirable.
https://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IHP-HCH-w-icon.jpg7801170Beth Jepsenhttps://islandhealthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IHP-logo-sidestack-3c.jpgBeth Jepsen2024-02-07 09:58:062024-06-17 10:07:05IHP Home Care Initiative Acquires Patient Care Attendants
