Insider News February 2024
In this issue:
- President & CEO Message
- Health Care: National Condom Week
- Education: Fighting for Sex Education for All
- Advocacy & Government Relations: Collaborating with the Community
- You can continue to make Care. No Matter What. possible!
- In Case You Missed It
Dear Friends,
February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the brilliance, beauty, and accomplishments of Black people. Because of systemic racism in health care, getting sexual and reproductive services is a social justice issue in Black communities. PPHP is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate health care to everyone, and taking actionable steps to address racial inequities.
PPHP proudly offers CenteringPregnancy, a unique group style of prenatal care, which has been proven to nearly eliminate racial disparities at pre-term birth. We will soon be offering CenteringPregnancy at our White Plains location in addition to New Rochelle and Yonkers. Additionally, New Rochelle will be offering CenteringPregnancy in Spanish. It is a priority for us to contribute solutions to the Black maternal mortality crisis, and expanding this evidence-based program is an important step.
I encourage all our supporters to take some time this month to reflect on how the health care needs of Black communities can be better met.
Thank you for your continued support of PPHP. We could not do this work without you.
In this together,
Vincent Russell
President & CEO
Health Care: National Condom Week
National Condom Week is February 14 through 21. Condoms provide great protection from both pregnancy and STIs. They’re easy to use and easy to get.
We’re taking this week to share some myths and facts about condoms:
- Myth: Condoms don’t work. Fact: Condoms are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, if correctly used every time you have sex. Condoms are also effective at preventing STI transmission.
- Myth: All condoms are uncomfortable. Fact: Condoms come in lots of different styles, shapes, and textures that increase sensation for both partners. If condoms feel uncomfortable, try a different size or material.
- Myth: Wearing two condoms is safer than one. Fact: Wearing two condoms can increase the chances of tearing. Condoms are designed to be worn one at a time. You can use condoms with another type of birth control, like the pill or an IUD.
- Myth: Condoms can only be used on a penis. Fact: There are also internal condoms that can be inserted vaginally or anally. Just like regular condoms, they are effective in preventing pregnancy and STI transmission.
- Myth: You can’t use condoms if you have a latex allergy. Fact: Condoms made from soft plastics like polyurethane, polyisoprene, and nitrile are latex-free.
To learn more about condoms and other ways to prevent pregnancy and STIs, visit our website or call 800-230-PLAN to make an appointment at your local health center today.
Education: Fighting for Sex Education for All
Our Education & Training (E&T) team started the year with lobbying in Albany at our annual Day of Action. Members of our team, Em Moratti and Joelle Schantz, spoke at the rally and to our New York State representatives about the importance of sex education in schools and our communities. Our team aims to reach as many people as possible in our work from youth to parents, but that’s not enough. It’s imperative that medically accurate, age appropriate, comprehensive sex education is available to all New Yorkers, and that can only happen with strong legislation supporting sexual health educators.
In January, our team continued to work with partners who serve our most vulnerable community members. Our programming included workshops at:
- Pleasantville Lab School to provide Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities programming,
- Children’s Village, a residential treatment center for children,
- Daytop Preparatory School, working with youth with substance use disorders, and
- Mercy Centers, where we provided parent programming.
To do this specialized work and acknowledge its often-challenging nature, several of our team members attended the “Drawing from a Deeper Well” conference for and by Planned Parenthood educators. The conference theme, “Claiming our Space. Reclaiming our Narrative,” was an acknowledgement of the challenging political climate around sex education, as well as the perseverance required from educators to continue this work.
To learn more about our education and training programs visit Education & Training | Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Inc.
Advocacy & Government Relations: Collaborating with the Community
This month, we hosted two State of the Affiliate events in our North and East regions. Over 50 elected officials and community partners attended to hear updates from PPHP’s Health Care, Education & Training, and Advocacy & Government Relations departments. These events were a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our collaboration with those who fight alongside us for sexual and reproductive health and rights, as we cannot do this work alone. Thank you to all who joined us!
If you’re interested in becoming more involved with PPHP, we invite you to check out our new Community Outreach Volunteer program! Community Outreach Volunteers will have unique training opportunities before taking on a leadership role in representing PPHP. Be the first to know about upcoming events, community outreach opportunities, and volunteer needs. We have two virtual information sessions coming up on February 19 and 21. Volunteers must attend an information session to get started. Sign up here.
Come Join Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic!
PPHP has employment opportunities in our health centers and administrative offices.
If you’re interested in working for a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care and a trusted source for education and advocacy, apply to work at PPHP today. You can learn more about open positions and working at PPHP here.
Be sure to mark your calendars and share these events with your friends and family.
Community Outreach Volunteer Information Session
February 19 and 21
Virtual
More information here
Abortion Provider Appreciation Day
Friday, March 8
Virtual
More information here
A Night for Our Rights
Thursday, May 9
Oheka Castle, Huntington
More information to come
Making Waves: PPHP’s Hamptons Benefit
Saturday, June 1
The Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club
More information to come
PPHP's Wine Tasting
Sunday, September 8
The Old Field Club, East Setauket
More information to come
For more information, visit our Calendar of Events. We look forward to seeing you!
You can continue to make Care. No Matter What. possible!
A monthly gift to PPHP ensures security for patients in your local communities. Consider joining our Monthly Giving Program today at www.pphp.org/donatetoday.
Double your impact! Does your employer have a matching gift program? Check with your Human Resources Department to find out. For questions, contact the Development Department at [email protected].
Committed to safeguarding the future of reproductive health care? Consider leaving a legacy gift to PPHP in your will. Please contact the Development Department at [email protected].
Do you have a little bit of time to get more involved? Visit www.pphp.org for ways you can help.
PPHP in the News:
Volunteer Opportunities Of The Week | Patch
Additional News:
Transgender school policy draws cheers, jeers in Clarkstown New York (lohud.com)
Featuring comments from PPHP High School Advocacy Program students
Telehealth makes timely abortions possible for many, research shows (fastcompany.com)
The Anti-Abortion Movement Is in Crisis Communications Mode - Ms. Magazine (msmagazine.com)