On March 1, 2023,  Edward-Elmhurst Hospitals announced the closure of the fitness center on Brom Drive in Naperville.  There was no community input.  The corporation made no public statement. It only posted a sign on the door that the center would close in a month.

My wife and I have been members for over 15 years.  Many older adults maintain their health at this facility.  It is right next to a senior living facility.  

For a company that espouses that it is "making investments in public health", for it to close this center that is part of the fabric of people's lives and relationships that serves to prevent illness that is costly, leaves me incredulous. The way I see it, this move signals that they want people to become ill or injured so they can boost profits. This is the opposite of what a health institution is supposed to do.

Edward-Elmhurst counters criticism by noting that the Seven Bridges facility will remain open. However, for those who use the pools, which is a significant number, the opportunity to use it will be limited. This is especially an issue for members who use the facility before or after work. Five or ten minutes longer to get to or from the facility before or after work can be the difference between exercising and not.  Many elderly members use aquatics for cardio and therapy because it is their only choice.  And their ability to get to and from the seven bridges facility will be complicated. Will Edward-Elmhurst at least consider providing transportation for these seniors?

With so many people under stress of inflation, taking away a place to maintain their health and nurture relationships is antithetical to what a healthcare provider should do.