Southeast Missouri Hospital has assumed ownership of the Main Street Family Fitness Center in Jackson.

The hospital formally took over operation of the center July 1.

Acquisition of Main Street Fitness "is in keeping with Southeast's mission and values," said hospital administrator James W. Wente. "We view our role in the community as not only caring for the sick, but encouraging community health as well."

Main Street Fitness is a very positive step in that direction, added Wente. "We look forward to working with area residents at the center to foster improvement of the region's health status."

Southeast Hospital has worked in association with the fitness center since it was opened three years ago to coordinate and provide fitness and wellness classes for children and adults.

Jim Maevers and Maevers Enterprises Inc. opened the center in 1992.

The hospital will be the major tenant in the Main Street Center complex at 410-C W. Main, which also houses Maevers Enterprises offices and Super Video.

It is the hospital's goal "to make Main Street into a model family fitness center," said Southeast's Wellness Center Coordinator Debbie Leoni, adding that the hospital will place emphasis on broader wellness education offerings and family-centered services.

Some immediate changes will be the provision of fitness center floor staff during operating hours, a full-time housekeeper, an additional treadmill and new weight training offerings, she said.

Meetings have been held at the center to acquaint the membership with new services and seek opinions on future developments.

Additional information is available by calling the hospital's Fitness and Wellness Center, 334-9355.