Healthy East Chicago, Inc, also known as HEC, is a multi-agency facility that provides an array of services to meet the needs of the East Chicago community.
The facility opened in 1997 as a result of a collaboration and partnership between Healthy East Chicago, Inc., St. Catherine Hospital and the City of East Chicago. As of September 10, 2004, HEC became a self-supporting entity.
With over 30,000 square feet of facilities, HEC offers a variety of health and human services under one roof. HEC provides a number of monthly health education and screening programs sponsored by a variety of community agencies. Other programs cover a wide range of subjects designed to help the community grow, share and learn. Program topics include:
• Aging
• AIDS and HIV Awareness
• Alcohol Awareness
• Allergy and Asthma
• Age-appropriate exercise programs
• Arthritis
• Breastfeeding
• Blood Disorders–Leukemia, Sickle Cell Anemia
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Diet and Nutrition
• Immunization
• Mental Health
• New Mother Topics
• Safety for Children
The Foundations of East Chicago has awarded $306,128 to Healthy East Chicago, Inc. who assist in oversight of the East Chicago Fitness Center. This funding is used to support two full-time, certified trainers and registrar, and in 2013 awarded $151,000 for new state-of-the-art equipment to replace some outdated equipment at the Fitness Center.
The 15,400 square-foot facility maintains 10,000 square-feet of premium gym space and boasts flat-screen televisions among its many amenities. A doctor’s note and application are all that’s necessary to obtain a membership to the facility. There is no fee to join for East Chicago residents.
For more information about the East Chicago Fitness Center, contact the facility’s director, Coach Richard Peterson and staff at 219.391.4039.
To receive additional updates about how the Foundations of East Chicago is working to sustain the health of the community through its many supported programs and initiatives, find us on Facebook (facebook.com/foundationsec) or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/foundationsec).
