HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 162-2022 (22-816)City of South San Francisco P.O. Box 711 (City Hall,
• 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
• City Council
Resolution: RES 162-2022
File Number: 22-816 Enactment Number: RES 162-2022
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE REOPENING OF
THE MACK E. MICKELSON ARTHRITIS AND
REHABILITATION CENTER THERAPY POOL AT
THE MILLS HEALTH CENTER IN SAN MATEO
WHEREAS, the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool is an
Americans With Disabilities Act- -accessible warm water therapy pool operated by Sutter Health and
located at the Mills Health Center, in San Mateo, California; and
WHEREAS, the Mickelson Therapy Pool has been used for over 25 years by thousands of
residents of San Mateo County who suffer from a broad range of health issues, including permanent
disabilities, debilitating injuries, autoimmune disorders, and mobility impairments, to rehabilitate those
health issues and mitigate physical decline; and
WHEREAS, Mickelson Therapy Pool has historically provided both preventative and
interventionist therapies to residents of San Mateo County suffering from health issues; and
WHEREAS, Mickelson Therapy Pool is the only pool of its kind in San Mateo County, and
there are no comparable warm water therapy pools that can adequately accommodate the residents of
San Mateo County who previously relied upon Mickelson Therapy Pool and who are now suffering from
acute and chronic physical pain and mental anguish without it; and
WHEREAS, in spite of the critical need for the facility, in June 2021, Sutter Health announced
that it would permanently close the Mickelson Therapy Pool to independent use by patrons and closing
Mickelson removes a valuable healthcare resource for people to assist them in daily activities; and
WHEREAS, over 4,300 patients, caregivers, and community members have signed a petition
to reopen the Mickelson Therapy Pool in order to increase the health, independence, and dignity of
residents who rely upon it; and
WHEREAS, Sutter Health, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities receive significant financial
benefits from their operations in San Mateo County and this City Council is aware that warm water
therapy pools in the region are able to operate profitably and safely, including under COVID-19
protocols; and
WHEREAS, in light of the foregoing, this City Council believes that Sutter Health should be
called upon to reopen the Mickelson Therapy Pool and to maintain the same open access hours that were
in place prior to January 2020.
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File Number. 22-816 Enactment Number. RES 162-2022
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco
recognizes that promptly reopening the Mack E. Mickelson Arthritis and Rehabilitation Center Therapy Pool
for community use would preserve and improve the health of residents in San Mateo County who have
historically relied upon it or who could benefit from warm water therapy to maintain their health,
independence, and dignity.
At a meeting of the City Council on 9/28/2022, a motion was made by Councilmember Flores,
seconded by Vice Mayor Nicolas, that this Resolution be approved. The motion passed.
Yes: 5 Mayor Nagales, Vice Mayor Nicolas, Councilmember Coleman, Councilmember
Flores, and Councilmember Addiego
Attest by 4"tw� /4
sa Govea Acosta, City Clerk
City of South San Francisco Page 2