Adults with severe and persistent mental illness often suffer from chronic physical illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes due to lack of  activity and excess weight which is sometimes associated with the medication they are prescribed. The Down Under Fitness Center operated in the basement one of the group homes by the Corrigan Mental Health Center helps these people stay fit and at an appropriate weight. Using funding provided in part by a Healthy City micro-grant, residential program staff were able to outfit a small gym that residents could use regularly for workouts. In addition to the fitness center, group home residents also participate in walking and other fitness activities throughout the year. Residential Services Director Greg Cowan and group home supervisor Bill Nadeau held a grand opening on April 26, 2007 for staff who saw how clients were already making good use of the facility. For more information about the program, contact Greg Cowan at 508-235-7200.
 

(Top row, left and right) Residential Services Director Greg Cowan presents the Healthy City Fall River recognition award given at the recent Spring Celebration to group home supervisor Bill Nadeau at the Grand Opening ceremony. (Top row, center) Mr. Cowan spots one of the residents as he tries some bench presses. (Middle row, left and right) Group home supervisor Liz DaSilva and Bill Nadeau assist some of the residents in using the treadmill. (Bottom row, left) A staff member talks with a resident using the stationery bicycle. (Bottom row, center) A resident receive encouragement from staff member Al Proulx. (Bottom row, left) Residents try out the boxing gloves under Ms. Silva's supervision.

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