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Resolution supporting the reopening of the Mack E. Michelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool at the Mills Health Center in San Mateo
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WHEREAS, the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool is an Americans With Disabilities Act- -accessible warm water therapy pool operated by Sutter Health and located at the Mills Health Center, in San Mateo, California; and
WHEREAS, the Mickelson Therapy Pool has been used for over 25 years by thousands of residents of San Mateo County who suffer from a broad range of health issues, including permanent disabilities, debilitating injuries, autoimmune disorders, and mobility impairments, to rehabilitate those health issues and mitigate physical decline; and
WHEREAS, Mickelson Therapy Pool has historically provided both preventative and interventionist therapies to residents of San Mateo County suffering from health issues; and
WHEREAS, Mickelson Therapy Pool is the only pool of its kind in San Mateo County, and there are no comparable warm water therapy pools that can adequately accommodate the residents of San Mateo County who previously relied upon Mickelson Therapy Pool and who are now suffering from acute and chronic physical pain and mental anguish without it; and
WHEREAS, in spite of the critical need for the facility, in June 2021, Sutter Health announced that it would permanently close the Mickelson Therapy Pool to independent use by patrons and closing Mickelson removes a valuable healthcare resource for people to assist them in daily activities; and
WHEREAS, over 4,300 patients, caregivers, and community members have signed a petition to reopen the Mickelson Therapy Pool in order to increase the health, independence, and dignity of residents who rely upon it; and
WHEREAS, Sutter Health, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities receive significant financial benefits from their operations in San Mateo County and this City Council is aware that warm water therapy pools in the region are able to operate profitably and safely, including under COVID-19 protocols; and
WHEREAS, in light of the foregoing, this City Council believes that Sutter Health should be called upon to reopen the Mickelson Therapy Pool and to maintain the same open access hours that were in place prior to January 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco recognizes that promptly reopening the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool for community use would preserve and improve the health of residents in San Mateo County who have historically relied upon it or who could benefit from warm water therapy to maintain their health, independence, and dignity.
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