Nassau County Teens Storm the Steps of Capitol Hill

Hempstead, NY — On July 16, three of Planned Parenthood of Nassau County’s Teen Advocate Project (TAP) peer educators joined more than 300 Planned Parenthood staff, board members and volunteers from across the country to discuss with members of Congress the importance of making women’s health a priority in health care reform in Washington, DC. The lobby day was a part of the Policy and Organizing Summit, a three-day event with a focus on Planned Parenthood ongoing campaign for health care reform. 

“Being a TAP teen has allowed me to understand the importance of health care for women and teens, the kind o care that Planned Parenthood helps to provide every day. I hope to get this message across to my legislators,” said Onisha Nichols, a three-year veteran of the Teen Advocate Project.

Nichols, along with Kayode Ayo and TuTu Jones, met with Congressman Gary Ackerman, Congressman Steve Israel and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. During these visits, the teens relayed two important messages: any health care reform effort must include access to comprehensive reproductive health care, and women’s access to essential community providers must be protected.

All three officials voiced their support for promoting women’s health and commended the TAP teens for their work.  “It is imperative that teens let their voice be heard about the importance of reproductive health care… before it becomes even harder to access,” said Nichols.

In addition to the lobby visits, the TAP teens heard from legislators, white house officials and Planned Parenthood staff about the status and strategy of health care reform initiatives; participated in sessions on building successful advocacy campaigns, activating volunteers and lobbying legislators; and participated in a phonebanking initiative. They concluded their trip with a dinner cruise around the Potomac with special guests Patrick Gaspard, White House Political Affairs Director, and actress and Planned Parenthood advocate, Gloria Reuben.

Planned Parenthood of Nassau County (PPNC) is one of more than 90 affiliates of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and operates 3 health centers in Nassau County. In 2008, PPNC provided services to more than 14,000 patients during 22,000 visits. We conducted 700 education workshops and street outreach to 27,000 teens and families, and mobilized approximately 6,000 advocates to protect reproductive health care rights.  PPNC has served the community for 76 years, and is dedicated to educating and empowering individuals to make responsible choices regarding their sexuality and sexual health. For more information about PPNC’s services and programs, visit www.ppnc.org.