Grant Assists Victims of Katrina

Hewlett Foundation Grant Assists Women, Families and Low-Income Residents Affected by Hurricane Katrina Planned Parenthood Receives $1 Million to Provide Basic Health Services

Menlo Park, CA — The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation today announced a $1,000,000 emergency grant to Planned Parenthood Federation of America to help its affiliate health centers provide counseling and essential health care services to women, families and displaced residents affected by Hurricane Katrina.

At no or reduced cost, Planned Parenthood is offering evacuees critical services, such as birth control supplies, medication to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and prenatal care. Planned Parenthood is serving clients at health centers and by doing outreach in areas that have received the greatest number of displaced residents.

"This grant from the Hewlett Foundation and donations from our private supporters will make it possible for Planned Parenthood to provide essential contraceptive and health care services to those who have been displaced by this devastating catastrophe," said Karen Pearl, interim president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "From our nearly 90 years of experience, Planned Parenthood knows the importance of providing urgently needed reproductive and primary health care services to help those who have been uprooted by disaster to get their lives back on track."

"The Hewlett Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and this emergency grant will provide critical aid to survivors," said Hewlett Foundation President Paul Brest. "This funding will help ensure that the health care needs of tens of thousands of women and families are met."

Many women who escaped the storm left behind medication and other items vital to their well-being. Planned Parenthood health centers are providing urgently-needed medical supplies and health care services, such as testing and treatment for STIs, cancer screenings and birth control methods. Reports also indicate the growing importance of providing services to the increased number of rape victims in the aftermath of the hurricane, including medical treatment, counseling, emergency contraception and abortion services. Planned Parenthood's efforts will allow women and families to focus on rebuilding their lives with the security of access to high-quality health care services.

Planned Parenthood's primary focus is providing urgent care to those in need. Currently, the Planned Parenthood health centers in Baton Rouge, LA, Hattiesburg, MS, and Mobile, AL, are open; however, the organization has not yet been able to assess damage to its New Orleans sites. Planned Parenthood health centers throughout the Southeast are providing much-needed services to evacuees who have been moved to cities as far away as Houston, TX, Nashville, TN, and Tulsa, OK.

In addition to the generous grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Planned Parenthood has raised more than $200,000 in online donations to provide services to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.