Planned Parenthood: We Won’t Back Down from the Fight to End HIV/AIDS
For Immediate Release: Dec. 1, 2017
COLUMBUS, OH — This World AIDS Day, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio declares that health care should be a nonpartisan issue, and doubles down on its commitment to support the needs of all Ohioans and marginalized communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and end the epidemic for good.
In 2016, 982 individuals were diagnosed with HIV in Ohio. This is an increase over the past two years, and demonstrates the need for continued, rigorous outreach and support to our most vulnerable communities. Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) offers rapid HIV testing and counseling at their 19 health centers and through their Health Mobile in the Greater Cleveland area. Last year, PPGOH performed 13,631 HIV tests, providing individuals valuable knowledge about their health.
Statement from Lillian Williams, PPGOH Vice President of Health Services:
“Planned Parenthood is committed to empowering every individual with the knowledge about their health. This includes offering rapid HIV testing that will reveal their HIV infection status and get them the help they need to live a happy and healthy life. Because we know that not everyone will come to our health centers, our Health Mobile goes into communities and tests people where they live. We support all Ohioans as they access the care they need and deserve.”
Social issues such as poverty, gender inequality, discrimination, lack of education, and violence put individuals and communities at increased risk of acquiring HIV and compound the impact of HIV/AIDS. Planned Parenthood not only tests individuals, but offers the counseling and referrals to help them get the support they need.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio operates 19 health centers, and offers services including birth control counseling, vital cancer screenings, well-woman exams, and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment. PPGOH offers services regardless of a patient’s economic level, race, gender, sexual orientation, and/or immigration status.
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About Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. The mission of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is to protect, promote and provide empowered health care for generations of women, men, and families across Ohio. PPGOH serves approximately 64,000 patients annually throughout Ohio including metropolitan areas in Toledo, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Mansfield, Cleveland, Columbus, and Athens. www.ppgoh.org.