YORK COUNTY, Pa. — People across York and Adams Counties are fighting to save a medical fitness center which is expected to close at the end of the month.
“Your heart just breaks and you go home crying because some of them don’t know where they’re going, what they’re going to do," said Vickie Beam of Hanover.
Beam is one of hundreds of members who belong to UPMC Hanover’s Medical Fitness Center, which has been housed inside the Hillside Medical Center in Penn Township for more than 20 years.
Members are predominantly, but not all, seniors.
“Some are still continuing rehabilitation, some have chronic issues, lifelong issues they’re battling," said member Grace Elsner of Hanover.
UPMC is closing the facility on Aug. 31. A letter was sent to members last month regarding the closure.
The health network provided the following statement to FOX43:
"The Medical Fitness Center at UPMC Hanover will close to members on Saturday, Aug. 31. As patients’ needs change over time, UPMC is always evaluating how to best deliver specialty services within its communities, and discontinuing this service will allow us to devote more resources to advanced patient care programs needed in Hanover. Medical Fitness Center members who wish to continue a fitness program will be invited to take advantage of special membership incentives offered specifically to them by the Hanover YMCA."
Members say the Center provides one-of-a-kind services which are hard to find in this area.
“It’s gravely concerning for York and Adams Counties because some of the medically fragile and vulnerable citizens of our communities depend on this service," said Elsner.
“It’s just sad UPMC cannot see what they’re taking away," said Kimberly Kelly of Glen Rock, who is also a member.
The facility is more than a fitness center, members say. That's because those using it are medically supervised as they work out. Many times, members are referred to the program by a physician.
“They come in and get their blood pressure taken, they get their vitals taken, and they know they’re safe in this environment," said Beam.
State Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams County) tells FOX43 he has heard from many people upset about the closure, and he personally hopes UPMC reverses its decision.
“This might be one of those times where they sit back and really analyze it and say ‘Is it good for the community to close this?’ Let’s not think of ‘Are we making a profit?’ as a nonprofit organization," said State Rep. Moul.
UPMC is offering those impacted free memberships to the Hanover YMCA for the next couple months. The fee to join the YMCA is waived until Tuesday, Oct. 15, as are all other membership fees. They will have access to all three Hanover YMCA facilities, including North Hanover, Littlestown and South Hanover, as will family members in their household.
Members of the Medical Fitness Center say that kind of environment doesn’t provide the supervised care many depend on.
“I was just talking to a few people who say they’ve been to the gym and they don’t feel safe there," said Beam.
They’re hopeful another solution can be found.
“We have to find a way, I think it’s unconscionable to leave these folks behind," added Elsner.
UPMC also says staff of the Medical Fitness Center will have opportunities to apply for other positions within UPMC to retain employment.