On February 22, Total Fitness in Clarkesville is scheduled to close. Habersham Medical Center is shutting down the workout center to save money. Of all the recent cutbacks and changes at the hospital, none has sparked a louder public outcry.
For 28 years, Total Fitness has been more than a gym; it’s been a place of health and healing where people have developed strong ties.
“The sense of community is strong in this program and has had a very positve impact on our lives,” says John Anglin.
After undergoing physical therapy for three ruptured discs, Anglin transitioned to Total Fitness in 2009.
“This program has made it possible for me to function nearly normally. Without the benefit of Total Fitness, I fear what I would be facing today!” he tells Now Habersham.
Alison Anglin joined the program to support her husband. The couple says it’s been the perfect fit.
“It is small and unintimidating, with participants whose focus is on improving their overall health.”
Petitions and protests
Now, with the end looming, dedicated members are doing all they can to try and save Total Fitness.
They’ve launched a petition drive and organized a letter-writing campaign. On Monday, they plan to attend the Habersham County Board of Commission meeting. On Tuesday, they plan to attend the Hospital Authority meeting.
They hope to convince someone to keep the program alive. Their efforts may already be paying off.
Now Habersham has confirmed talks are underway regarding the possibility of the county taking over Total Fitness. Under that scenario, the hospital would donate the exercise equipment. The county would pay to staff and manage the facility.
“Commission Chairman Ty Akins has asked county staff to put together a plan that will be discussed in the work session before Monday’s Habersham County Board of Commissioners meeting,” says county spokesperson Rob Moore.
The staff has also prepared agenda items for the regular meeting asking to 1) create a new full-time position to oversee the gym and 2) accept donated equipment as part of that tentative plan, pending approval from the board of commissioners.
If county commissioners agree to this arrangement, they will need to act quickly; closing day is next Wednesday.
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