October 30, 2009

The State Department of Health recently privatized the allocation and distribution of federal family planning (Title XX) dollars. As a result of the new distribution system, Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is expected to serve about 19,000 fewer low-income patients at all of its health centers than it did last year. The independent organization now in charge of the funding has made changes that mean fewer people will receive more fully funded care, changes that don't seem to make much sense at a time when more and more Hoosiers are losing their health insurance along with their jobs. Title XX funding is no longer available in some counties where it once was and, a reduced amount is available in other counties. For example, in Grant County, the funding that was available was given to an organization that does not even have a health center yet in the county. This means that PPIN must close its center now, but doesn't even have an address to give to patients for the new provider. And the fact that they must transfer to another health care provider at all is a major inconvenience for many patients. We are working with the new provider to make the transition as smooth as possible and to avoid any "gaps" in services.

These changes in the funding distribution, as well as the economic downturn, have forced PPIN to plan the closures of six health centers over the next six months.

That's why we need your help! If you care - and we know that you do - please get involved before it is too late. Become an Advocate (link to sign-up) or make a donation (hyperlink) to help fight changes like this in the future. Each year we work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of PPIN supporters are heard and our elected officials need to know how much we need Planned Parenthood in the state of Indiana.

Won't you step up and join this cause? Be the cause…the reason…the strength that thousands of women and men in need of preventive health care are counting on for their Pap tests, breast exams, testicular exams and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatments!

With your help, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana will ensure that PPIN's mission of providing quality health care, education and advocacy across Indiana remains strong. Please don't wait…because so many of our loved ones no longer can.