YOUNGSTOWN - Some Mercy Health health rehab patients working out at Saint Elizabeth Youngstown are getting ready to transition to a new fitness center.

A letter was sent to patients who are part of the cardiac and pulmonary recovery program for a long time. Some of the patients have been using the fitness center for over a decade.

The letter said individuals who have participated in the Mercy program for more than three months will need to find another fitness center for their exercise and wellness plan.

It also said Mercy Health is there to support patients during the transition, and recommended the SilverSneakers program.

Frank McGovern of Boardman was one of the patients who was sent the letter. He used the rehab fitness center for the past nine years, and said it helped him through congestive heart failure.

“The cardiac rehab program from St E's Mercy Health has, well, saved my life,” said McGovern. “I checked myself in April of 2017 to Saint E’s emergency department, and my ejection fraction was about 15% and I was this close to checking out. After several years of exercise down there three mornings a week, I was able to bring it up to about 55%.”

McGovern worries he will not get the same support at a different center.

“There's not going to be nurses, there's not going to be exercise physiologists. There's certainly not going to be the camaraderie that's been developed over the last several years,” said McGovern. “It's been a bargain at $45 a month for nine years. I'd be willing to spend quite a bit more than that to continue. I love the people down there. It gives me purpose. It keeps my heart healthy. And I just hope that they can give a valid reason, a reason that's understandable, and hopefully they would change their minds.”

McGovern said he tried reaching out to Mercy Health multiple times, and even tried calling the phone number at the bottom of the letter, but did not get answers.

“There's got to be an answer. There's got to be a reason. And it's only fair that they would share that with the dozens, or perhaps, hundreds of patients they have,” said McGovern.

Mercy Health told 21 News the change will allow staff to focus on patients who need more help recovering from serious heart or lung events. 

Here is the full statement from a Mercy Health representative:

“Beginning March 2, 2026, Mercy Health will transition patients who have been in Phase 3 (maintenance) Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabilitation for more than three months to community fitness centers. This allows us to prioritize Phase 2 rehabilitation, which includes medically necessary care for patients recovering from serious heart or lung events. 

Over time, the size of the Phase 3 program has limited our ability to consistently deliver the close monitoring, supervision and education required to our patients in Phase 2. Refocusing our resources ensures patients in active recovery receive timely, high-quality, clinically appropriate care. 

Transitioning Phase 3 participants to community programs is a normal and healthy next step in long-term wellness. Our team is supporting each patient through the change and helping them identify exercise options that best fit their needs. Our commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care remains unchanged. We will continue providing excellent support for patients in recovery while empowering long-term maintenance patients to sustain healthy habits and wellness in the community.”


As mentioned in the statement, Mercy health will start transitioning patients March 2.