By Lori Ehde
As part of its proposal to manage to the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center, Luverne Community Hospital is surveying local residents about the facility.
The survey, which will reach 1,600 households in Rock County and surrounding communities, will be mailed Friday.
Its purpose is to gauge the health and wellness of the community, how the Pool and Fitness Center currently meets those needs, and how the facility could be improved to meet more needs.
The 17 questions, which take five to 10 minutes to answer, were composed by Health Planning and Management Resources, a consulting firm in Edina.
Respondents are asked to mail their answers by June 17, and in return for completing the survey, they're offered a free blood pressure and total cholesterol check at Luverne Community Hospital.
The cost of the survey is covered by a $5,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Health. The money is intended to preserve access to needed health services and encourage collaboration and integration of rural community health needs.
"That's a commitment we've made in receiving the grant - to work in collaboration with city and county," said Hospital Administrator Gerry Carl.
According to statistics from the area served by Luverne Community Hospital in Rock and Nobles counties, there exists an inactive, overweight, elderly population at risk for a number of health problems, including heart disease.
In fact the local incidence of heart disease, is higher than the state average.
"Consequently, it is not only important to preserve our community’s access to current health and wellness programs, it is crucial to enhance access through appropriate program development," said Tammy Loosbrock, rehab services manager for Luverne Community Hospital.
The Rock County Pool and Fitness Center, owned by the City of Luverne and Rock County, has relied increasingly on government subsidies and has shown decreasing revenue in recent years.
Subsequently, the city and county have requested proposals to explore options for leasing the facility or contracting management with another entity. The option to sell is also open.
Luverne Community Hospital is one such party submitting a management proposal, because the hospital has long worked with the Pool and Fitness Center for rehabilitation and wellness purposes.
Even if the county and city do not accept the hospital's proposal to manage the Pool and Fitness Center, the survey information would be available for the benefit of the city and county in decisions about the facility.