St.Francis Hospital

I have lived in Blue Island, IL for most of my adult life. Blue Island is a beautiful city reminiscent of small town communities across the country. It was built on a very human scale, meaning that most residents can walk to the business district and indeed to almost any part of the city within twenty minutes. Groceries, medical services, restaurants, and other everyday needs are always just a few blocks away.
Twenty eight years ago, when we first moved here, the city was a thriving community with an active business district. Over the years we have witnessed the fall and rebirth and faltering again of the uptown business district, the increasing decay of our infrastructure, and the slow degeneration of our industrial base.
The announced closing of St. Francis Hospital has come as a huge blow to the residents of Blue Island. Some argue that it will make no difference to the city since St. Francis Hospital is a not-for-profit organization and does not pay real estate tax. Some say that the impact of losing over 1400 jobs will be minimal because there is a great demand for medical professionals of all kinds, and these people will easily find other employment. There are other hospitals in the area, although it’s clear that none are as convenient not only to our residents, but also to many of the surrounding cities and towns. However, the psychological impact of the closing and the effect on other local business is immeasurable. In a struggling city, the closing of yet another major employer is disheartening, and the uptown restaurants and stores will be losing a profitable source of business. As a business owner I realize that none of the above is a sound financial reason to keep an unprofitable hospital open.
Residents are concerned that many doctors who have offices in our city will close these offices in order to move closer to another hospital. The closing of the hospital will no doubt result in an increased strain on other nearby hospitals, and a general decrease in the quality of healthcare in the south suburban area. The increased travel time and expense to the next closest hospital will no doubt result in an increased loss of life. The ultimate cost of the closing of the hospital will be much greater than the $20 million a year that the hospital is said to be losing.
The long term solution will be difficult. However, if a long term solution is not found, St. Francis Hospital will be another casualty in the ongoing national health care crisis, as will the people who have depended on St. Francis to provide quality medical care.
The fact that everyone, from the janitors at St. Francis, to the doctors, to myself, to my neighbors and neighboring businesses, to the mayor of Blue Island, and the local Representatives and Congressmen, was blind sided by this announcement is a testament to our lack of community. How was it that no one knew what was about to happen?
People have mocked me when I mourned the closing of some mom and pop business on Western Avenue, but it’s not funny anymore. It’s no longer just one family needing to find another source of income. For the 1400 employees facing the possible loss of their jobs, and for the city of Blue Island as a whole, the closing of the hospital borders on catastrophe.
I will not suggest that we each donate $5.00 to St. Francis. That would be ridiculous. I ask that we each do what we are able to do. Call, write, and e-mail your local officials, your Representatives and Congressmen, St. Francis Hospital, the Sisters of Saint Mary, and the Archdiocese of Chicago. We must all fight not only for the hospital, but for our city as well.
Let me ask you this: What are you prepared to do?

Candace Carr
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