GALLIPOLIS — The new Holzer Wellness and Therapy Center hosted its open house Thursday morning with area dignitaries and supporters in order to display the facility’s services to the public, as well as celebrate upon the work involved with getting the center open.
The center is located on Second Avenue where the old Johnson grocery market sat at 735 Second Avenue. The land was donated to the Holzer Heritage Foundation by the Eastman family.
Individuals will be able to purchase memberships and have access to a walking and running track, the latest exercise equipment, a sauna, shower and locker areas, vending services and a multipurpose meeting room. The center will also offer healthcare services compromised of physical, speech, massage and occupational therapies as well as providing for health risk assessments and guided fitness plans.
“This is a great day for Holzer and a great day for (southeast Ohio),” said Dr. Michael Canaday, newly named Holzer Health System CEO. “This is a wellness center. That word is very important. It’s not just a fitness center. It’s also a therapy center.”
“Healthcare is the business of Holzer,” he continued. “As we go forward, we have to focus on health and you would think it’s maybe the same. Health is a big deal. Our goal as we go forward, and we’re trying to figure out how to do this. It’s not just about taking care of people when they’re sick, but to help them stay healthy and live longer and more productive lives. My goal going forward to help us as an organization is to create an epidemic of health and wellness through this region and county. I think what you see here today is what can happen with a little city with a big heart.”
Congressman Bill Johnson had a representative read a proclamation at the wellness center to recognize Holzer Health System’s efforts in southeast Ohio.
“It is vital that residents of (the region) have the facilities, equipment, knowledge and opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle,” Johnson wrote. “The Holzer Heritage Foundation has made this possible. Thus with great pride I commend Holzer Health System for its commitment to providing quality healthcare to the community and extend my best wishes to the entire Holzer family.”
By Dean Wright – deanwright@civitasmedia.com. Dean Wright can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2103.
