Pinckneyville Community Hospital is ecstatic to announce that the long awaited Wellness Center is set to officially break ground during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 16, at 10:00 a.m.

"This new construction project proves our commitment to lead the way to a healthier tomorrow," says Randall Dauby, CEO. "It is no secret that the medical community is rapidly embracing a more holistic approach to health. The idea is to not only get you healthy, but to keep you healthy. We believe that our vision for the Wellness Center will do just that."

The Wellness Center at Pinckneyville Community Hospital will be an approximate 16,000 square foot facility that will be built on the southwest side of the hospital campus. The therapy and fitness departments that are currently housed at Southern Illinois Rehabilitation on 'The Square', will be relocated to the Wellness Center.

The Wellness Center will offer private therapy rooms for physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as a separate space for work hardening and massage therapy. The fitness center in the Wellness Center will be open to members 24/7 through a badged entry system. In addition to the exercise machines, weights, and an indoor walking path, the new facility will feature locker rooms, and separate area for group fitness classes.

One of the biggest additions to the Wellness Center will be the 32'x25' therapy pool. "We want the community to benefit from the pool, not just our patients," explains Dauby. The indoor pool will be available to members for group water aerobics, as well as provide a place for individuals to swim laps. "We hope to even eventually offer swimming lessons or provide a place for sports teams to condition."

The Board has also decided to move cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and sleep studies from within the Hospital into the Wellness Center, as the Specialty Clinic within the Hospital has already outgrown its current space. "I guess that's a good problem to have," laughs Dauby. "We have increased the number of specialty providers that want to offer clinic in Pinckneyville. In order for us to serve the community, we need to reconfigure our space."

The new facility will also be utilized for community health and wellness events.

The Wellness Center was designed by Spencer Architects. The board awarded the contracting bid to Evrard-Strang during the March 4, meeting. Partial funding for the Wellness Center was provided by the Delta Regional Authority. The remaining cost of the project is being financed through the USDA Rural Development Program.

While land remediation has already begun, an official groundbreaking ceremony will be held Tuesday, April 16, at 10:00 a.m.

Pinckneyville Community Hospital is a critical access hospital that is leading the way to a healthier tomorrow. The hospital provides local access to quality and convenient healthcare by providing a 24-hour emergency department; 17- bed medical floor offering inpatient, observation and swing bed program; Family Medical Center; oncology; surgery; therapies; radiology; laboratory services and specialty clinics close to home.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Barbour, 618-357-8898