Essentia Health Posts

The Thing About Essentia Health

Imagine, if you will, being trans and you don’t go by your birth name anymore — and the clinic knows that — and you arrive at an Essentia Health clinic in Duluth for, let’s say an eye appointment.

“Hmmmm. Can you spell your last name again?”

“Hmmmmm. What is your date of birth, again, ma’am?”

“I’m just not finding you. How about your street address?

Also, for the sake of this scenario, there are four other people behind you impatiently waiting to register for their own appointments. You start to feel a bead of sweat pop up on your forehead.

“Can you spell your last name again?” Nothing. The registration lady calls for help. A supervisor slides her chair over. You’re feeling a little hot. Isn’t it humid in this damn clinic, today?

“Oh! Are you DEAD NAME DEAD NAME BOODOOTY DEAD DAMN NAME?”

Essentia Fitness & Therapy Center will move to former Younkers

Essentia Health is investing $15 million in the purchase and remodeling of the 145,000-square-foot former Younkers department store at Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. The Essentia Health Fitness & Therapy Center will move into the first floor this fall. Plans are being developed for the rest of the building and will be announced when they are finalized.

Keep a lap pool in Downtown Duluth!

There are rumors that Essentia Health’s downtown campus may no longer include a lap pool, after the planned remodel/reorganization. The aquatics center slated for Hermantown may be meant to replace the current pool. Hermantown is not a convenient location for many people who swim at Essentia’s Duluth facilities, including many medical staff, seniors, and those with special needs.

If Essentia is serious about improving and expanding its health and wellness services, it should continue to provide the health-promoting benefits of a pool, at a convenient, affordable downtown location, accessible by public transportation. Essentia got many swimmers hooked on fitness through swimming in its great adults-only, extended-hours lap pool!

To sign a petition in support of the lap pool, go to: petitions.moveon.org.