$2.5 Million Gift To Fund Hospital Fitness Center

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The James M. Cox Foundation and Jim Kennedy recently donated a combined $2.5 million gift to build the James C. Kennedy Fitness Center at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

The hospital’s physicians, nurses and staff will have complimentary, 24-7 access to the state-of-the-art fitness facility.

The 5,400 square foot Kennedy Fitness Center is being constructed on the Emory Saint Joseph’s campus in Sandy Springs 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 Emory Saint Joseph’s and its neighboring medical facilities. The fitness center is expected to be up and running by the summer.

“When I was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer my doctors at Emory Saint 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.”

Dr. Jonathan Lewin, president, CEO and chairman of the board at Emory Healthcare, noted doctors and other medical providers have "profoundly stressful and time-consuming jobs." This pressure often doesn't allow these professionals the time needed to maintain their own wellness, Dr. Lewin said.

“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'," he added.

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