South Suburban Elected Officials Unite In Effort To Keep St. Francis Open
Apr 8, 2008
Press Release
BLUE ISLAND, IL—A coalition of elected officials led by Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL), State Rep. Robert Rita (D-28th District), and Blue Island Mayor Donald E. Peloquin vowed, April 8, to work together to attempt to keep St. Francis hospital open.
On April 2, SSM Health Care announced that, after 103 years of serving the Blue
Island community, St. Francis Hospital will close. The group of elected officials urges a potential buyer to come forth to ensure no interruption in services or jobs.
“This closing will have a devastating impact on the overall delivery of health services to the south and south suburban region, in addition to creating a tremendous economic implosion through the loss of nearly 1500 jobs,” said Stanley Watkins, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush, who read a statement prepared by Rush who was unable to attend. “I remain concerned about the direction our nation’s health care system continues to take, and clearly the closing of St. Francis Hospital is not a step in the right direction.”
The elected officials also urged the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board to look critically and deliberately at the request of SSM Health Care, one of the largest and most economically viable Catholic health care systems in this nation, to nail shut the doors of this 410-bed medical institution.
“St. Francis Hospital is important to Blue Island and the surrounding communities, and it’s important that we continue to work together to see if there is a solution that can be reached,” State Rep. Rita said during the press conference held in the Blue Island City Hall East Annex located 2434 Vermont Street.
Since the announced closing, many elected officials in the area have been swamped with phone calls, faxes and emails from concerned residents.
“I and the City of Blue Island appreciate the help and support being given to us by our congressional and state leaders,” said Mayor Peloquin.
Also in attendance were State Rep. William Davis (D-30th District); State Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-35th District).