Lisonbee Wright urges CPMC to reinstate aquatic exercise classes for seniors and disabled

In a recent government meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding the closure of essential healthcare services in San Francisco, particularly affecting low-income and disabled residents. The discussions highlighted the impact of decisions made by CPMC and Sutter Health, which have reportedly prioritized revenue generation over the needs of vulnerable populations.

One of the most pressing issues raised was the reduction of subacute skilled nursing care facilities. San Francisco is currently the only major city in California with a level 1 trauma unit that is still accepting new patients for subacute care. However, many of these facilities have been shut down, leaving patients without necessary support. This situation has led to tragic outcomes, with some long-term residents losing their lives shortly after being transferred out of county due to the closures.

Community advocate Lisonbee Wright, a disabled client of CPMC Davies Medical Center, emphasized the need for reinstating aquatic exercise classes that have been discontinued. These classes are vital for seniors and disabled individuals, providing affordable and accessible options for pain management and mobility improvement. Wright pointed out that without these programs, many residents face limited choices for maintaining their health and quality of life.

The meeting underscored a broader concern about the lack of support for historically underserved communities, including Pacific Islanders, African Americans, Latinx, and Asian women. Residents are calling for a reevaluation of healthcare priorities to ensure that essential services are available to those who need them most.

As the city grapples with these challenges, community members are urging local leaders to advocate for the restoration of critical healthcare services and to hold healthcare providers accountable for their decisions that affect the well-being of San Francisco's most vulnerable residents.