UPDATE: MADISONVILLE, Ky. — Earlier this month, Baptist Health Madisonville announced it would be closing the Fitness Formula location in Dawson Springs while leaving the family practice physician office and physical therapy services in place.
The decision was driven by the continued loss of revenue for the service and the difficult financial landscape surrounding healthcare today. In an effort to ensure that all avenues have been explored for funding, Baptist health Madisonville has extended the deadline for closure an additional 90 days to the end of November. During that time, patrons may see a minor change in the hours of operation, health officials said.
“We appreciate the fierce loyalty of those who have rallied around the Dawson Springs Fitness Formula and petitioned for it to remain open,” said President Robert Ramey said in a statement. “Closing Fitness was an incredibly difficult business decision for Baptist Health, but certainly one that any business leader would understand. We have pledged to Mayor Jenny Sewell that we will reexamine the economics of a continued operation and will continue to explore possible partnerships or grants that could turn around the financial outlook for the facility. We will need to have a decision within 90 days.”
“I appreciate the willingness of Baptist Health Madisonville to explore every possible avenue to help us keep our fitness center in Dawson Springs open for our community,” Mayor Jenny Sewell said. “This extra effort shows their commitment to us. We don’t like to see any business close its doors in Dawson Springs so I hope that a solution will present itself that will make the facility economically viable into the future.”
Baptist Health Madisonville is a not-for-profit healthcare system that has been operating the fitness facility in Dawson Springs at a loss for several years, hospital spokesman Kristy Quinn said in a news release.
In a previous letter to members, Baptist Health apologized for the closure initially scheduled to take place Aug. 10, and thanked members for their years of loyal support. Patrons were reminded that they can utilize the amenities at the remaining fitness facilities in the Princeton, Madisonville and Hopkinsville locations or could receive a refund of their unused memberships.
ORIGINAL: DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. — Baptist Health’s Fitness Formula in Dawson Springs will remain open for all medical and physical therapy services currently offered at the facility. Access regarding gym memberships at that location will cease next month.
Baptist Health Madisonville President Robert Ramey sent letters to members this week stating, “After 19 years of operations, we have made the difficult decision to close the fitness center at Dawson Springs” Aug. 10 to focus on primary services in providing high-quality, patient healthcare.
The letter states members of the facility have been referred to other Fitness Formula facilities in Madisonville, Hopkinsville and Princeton locations or they can opt for a refund on unused portions of their memberships.
Hospital spokeswoman Kristy Quinn said two workers at the location will be offered other positions with Baptist Health, noting the decision was based on finances.
“Times are tough in the healthcare business,” she said. “We just had to make the decision. We have three other fitness facilities available.”
Dawson Springs resident Shelby Hamby said several senior adults use the facility, and will not have a local place to work out.
“It may not have the latest and greatest equipment, but it’s all we’ve got,” she said.
Hopkins County Magistrate Charlie Beshears said approximately 75-100 residents were working out at the Dawson Springs location this week, and many seniors go to stay fit and socialize.
Hamby said she is helping out with getting a petition signed at Beauty Shop on the Square in downtown Dawson Springs.
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