CALL TO ACTION: Protect the local therapy pool

For over two decades, our community therapy pool has been a vital resource for rehabilitation and health. Now, drastic policy changes are threatening the well-being of the hundreds of seniors and former patients who rely on it.

We must act now to restore affordable access and adequate pool hours for independent exercise.

The Situation:

• Reduced Access: Availability for independent exercise has been slashed from 18 hours per week to just4 hours.

• Price Hikes: The cost per session has more than doubled, jumping from $6 to $15.

• Lack of Alternatives: Local gyms do not offer specialized arthritis therapy pools, and traveling to distant facilities in Sandpoint or Worley is dangerous for seniors during winter months.

• Limited Impact: Other regional therapy pools require a physician’s referral, leaving many long-time users without options.

Why This Matters: As a 21-year user, I have seen firsthand how this pool aids in recovery from hip replacements, rotator cuff tears and cancer surgeries. Since the staffing losses of 2022, administration has provided only perfunctory responses to our concerns, failing to recognize that this facility was a gift intended for the health of our entire community.

How You Can Help: We can’t remain silent while this essential health facility becomes inaccessible. We need to change the narrative and ensure Kootenai Health hears our voices.

CAROL PARR

Coeur d’Alene