PARENTHOOD OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND RECOGNIZES NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK MAY 12 – 18, 2013

For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014

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Planned Parenthood of Southern New England encourages women to get checkups in recognition of National Women's Health Week

(New Haven, CT)— As part of National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18, 2013), Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is urging women in Connecticut and Rhode Island to schedule preventive checkups, including breast cancer screenings and, if recommended, a Pap test to help protect their health.

In an effort to promote early detection and help women remain healthy, PPSNE released a new video this week to explain what to expect at a Well-Woman Exam and address concerns that keep women from getting the preventive care they need. View the new video.

"At Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, we know firsthand the importance of regular checkups in protecting women’s health and preventing serious health issues," said Judy Tabar President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. "Regular exams and health screenings can rule out or detect life-threatening diseases such as breast and cervical cancers and STDs/STIs, including HIV.

"However, some women may be nervous about personal questions and health exams," stated Tabar. "The video explains it’s normal to be nervous and we understand this at Planned Parenthood. We also keep your information completely confidential. Well-Woman Exams help to keep you healthy."

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England’s 18 health centers in Connecticut and Rhode Island offer a wide range of preventive health services, including lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, breast health services, the HPV vaccine, and sexual health information and education. Last year alone we provided 16,700 cancer screening and preventative services; more than 25,000 women’s health services and more than 37,000 STD/STI & HIV screening visits.

People can visit www.ppsne.org to find the health center nearest them and schedule a wellness exam.

PPSNE also offers online tools that can help people start a conversation with providers about health care: The Check can help users figure out whether to get tested for STDs/STIs and My Method can prepare women for a conversation with their providers about the most appropriate and best birth control option.

Under the Affordable Care Act, women’s preventive health will be covered without co-pays. Already, some women who have insurance are receiving birth control without co-pays, and more will receive the benefit as it becomes effective in more health plans. In addition, currently uninsured women will be able to begin enrolling in health coverage plans starting October 1. For more information on the Affordable Care Act benefits and eligibility for coverage, go to www.healthcare.gov.

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Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is one of the region’s largest providers of family planning and reproductive health care services. Since 1923, PPSNE has evolved into an organization with 18 health centers in Connecticut and Rhode Island, delivering care to nearly 70,000 patients annually, and 90 percent of the services provided are preventive.