Islanders who plan to run as commissioners for the proposed public hospital district need to file with King County Elections between Wednesday, Aug. 7, and Friday, Aug. 9, for one of the five positions.

A public hospital district would be funded through property taxes and support health care services on the island — but not a hospital. In recent months, members and supporters of the Vashon-Maury Health Collaborative have met with islanders in small groups, talking about the possible creation of a public hospital district and the island’s health care needs. Those meetings are continuing this summer.

Tim Johnson, a member of the collaborative, said that group is on a hiatus and that many of its members have moved to working with Protect Vashon Health Care, the campaign effort behind the hospital district. He noted that none of the members of the collaborative plan to run for a commissioner seat. Instead, he said, the group will reconvene if the measure passes and will support the commissioners.

The campaign recently kicked off at Mukai Farm & Garden, a gathering that included nearly 80 people, Johnson said. Last weekend, several members participated in the Strawberry Festival parade. More events will be announced at a later date; forums with the candidates are expected this fall.

The King County Council approved the hospital district measure for the Nov. 5 ballot at its June 26 meeting, and Executive Dow Constantine has signed it. Pro and con statements for the ballot measure are due by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13. The King County Council appoints committee members to write the statements. People with questions about that process should contact the clerk’s office at clerk.council@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-1020.

This version corrects the location of the campaign kickoff meeting.