McDonald’s is out at Navicent Health days after physicians group files complaint
The McDonald’s fast food restaurant inside of a Macon hospital is closing at the end of its contract. The decision to close the restaurant was announced days after a national advocacy group filed a complaint with the Macon-Bibb Health Department.
“Navicent Health is considering using the area to provide new health care resources for the local community, according to the statement released on Tuesday. “Navicent Health has been proud to partner with McDonald’s franchise owners Bruce and Bridgett Freeman and their team, who have provided impeccable service to our staff, patients and the immediate community.:
Last week, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit made up 12,000 doctors, filed a complaint with the health department in an attempt to get the hospital to end it’s contract with McDonald’s. The complaint said that “unhealthful fast food, including cheeseburgers and greasy chicken, can contribute to heart disease, obesity and diabetes,” according to a release.
The group said the hospital’s contract with McDonald’s expires June 11, according to the release.
“Georgia has high rates of deadly, diet-related diseases like diabetes, and the hospital should work with the community to promote fruits, veggies and beans,” said Susan Levin, director of nutrition education for Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
The group also paid for billboards that were scheduled to be put up outside of the hospital this week and remain posted until June 23.
The billboards will play off of McDonald’s “I’m Lovin It” slogan, using phrases like “Not Lovin’ Clogged Arteries?” and “Ask your local hospital to go #FastFoodFree!”
▪ Second Street south of Poplar Street, about ¼ mile from the medical center.
▪ Spring Street at Riverside Drive, less than one mile from the medical center.
Although Navicent won’t renew their contract with McDonald’s, the billboards will still be erected, said Physicians Committee media relations manager Jeanne McVey.
“The billboards are a still good public health message,” McVey said. They don’t mention Navicent specifically even though they’re very close to the hospital. The billboards also have a positive image ... a doctor with a big basket of fruit.”
The hospital said the employees who worked at the McDonald’s location will be offered positions at other restaurants in the Macon area.
This story was originally published May 28, 2019 at 8:15 AM.
