James M. Cox Foundation and Jim Kennedy Donate $2.5 Million to Build Fitness Center for Emory St. Joseph’s Staff
Posted: January 31, 2017 in Other News
Emory Healthcare
ATLANTA, GA – The James M. Cox Foundation and Jim Kennedy made a combined $2.5 million gift for the construction of the James C. Kennedy Fitness Center at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. The 5,400 square foot Kennedy Fitness Center is being constructed on the St. Joseph’s campus to provide convenient access for all hospital staff members.
The Center will include cardio and strength machines, a yoga/mindfulness area and other programs that promote healthy living for the 3,000 employees of St. Joseph’s and its neighboring medical facilities. The fitness center is expected to be operational by summer 2017.
“When I was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, my doctors at Emory St. Joseph’s encouraged me to exercise regularly,” said Kennedy. “When I asked about their exercise routines, I was surprised to hear that they had a hard time following their own advice due to a lack of time and proximity to a gym. Through this donation, a new, conveniently located fitness facility will help hospital staff take care of their own health. Exercise is important for everyone, especially healthcare providers who have the important job of taking care of patients.”
“We know that doctors and other medical providers have profoundly stressful and time-consuming jobs, and often don’t make the time necessary for their own wellness,” says Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board for Emory Healthcare. “The Kennedy Fitness Center will help our caregivers so they can fulfill the Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center of Emory University’s mission ‘to serve humanity by improving health through integration of education, discovery and health care.'”
“This facility will help our staff safeguard their own health, so they can continue caring for our patients,” says Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital CEO Heather Dexter.
