Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Supervisor Carole Groom, District 2
Subject: Resolution to Reopen Mickelson Therapy Pool
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution calling on Sutter Health to reopen the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool for community use at the Mills Health Center in San Mateo, with the same open access hours in place prior to January 2020.
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BACKGROUND:
In June of 2021, Sutter Health announced that it would permanently close the Mickelson Therapy Pool, which has operated for over 25 years, to independent use by patrons, in spite of the critical need for this facility.
The Mickelson Therapy Pool has been used over the 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. These County residents have used the Mickelson Therapy Pool to rehabilitate those health issues and mitigate physical decline.
DISCUSSION:
As discussed, the Mickelson Therapy Pool has historically provided both preventative and interventionist therapies to residents of San Mateo County suffering from health issues and it is an asset to the community at large and even more so to residents who are elderly or who live with mobility impairments and health conditions.
Sutter Health and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities receive significant financial benefits from their operations in San Mateo County, including from both public and private contracts. 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 those residents who rely upon it. Warm water therapy pools in the region can and do operate profitably and safely under relevant COVID-19 r...
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