Global Nonprofit Planned Parenthood Celebrates National Philanthropy Day

Ninety-Year-Old Reproductive Health Care Advocate and Provider
Serves Five Million Women, Men and Teens Worldwide Each Year

NEW YORK CITY — In honor of National Philanthropy Day, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), the nation’s leading advocate and provider of reproductive health care, today celebrates the wide range of supporters who have enabled the organization to provide lifesaving reproductive health information and affordable services to millions of women and families for more than 90 years. National Philanthropy Day honors Americans whose generosity and dedication to nonprofit organizations has a profound impact on our communities and the world.

“Ninety years ago, Planned Parenthood was founded by a woman — Margaret Sanger — who gave unselfishly to provide women with access to reproductive health care. They launched a movement, and today our supporters carry on that spirit by investing in the health and safety of women, men and teens worldwide,” said PPFA President Cecile Richards. “Some of our supporters have been with us for generations, and some are new to our mission — but each one makes it possible for Planned Parenthood to deliver reproductive health care and education to millions across the globe.”

With donor support, PPFA provides a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care services, including birth control, sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment, Pap tests, breast cancer screening, abortion services, and comprehensive education and information to five million women, men and teens worldwide.  Ninety-seven percent of Planned Parenthood health services are focused on prevention, and donor support also allows PPFA to raise awareness of comprehensive family planning services, protect access to these services, and mobilize grassroots supporters.

In addition to financial support, many PPFA donors also volunteer their time at Planned Parenthood. In 2006, more than 19,000 Planned Parenthood volunteers contributed nearly 1.5 million hours of their time. They serve in a wide range of capacities, including support for clinical health care services, administrative services, and educational services for women, men and teens.  PPFA’s most committed donors also serve the federation in an advisory role as a part of the Leadership Council. The Leadership Council develops and funds new initiatives, assists with long-term planning, and raises the profile of reproductive health care issues.

For more information on ways to support Planned Parenthood, please visit www.plannedparenthood.org.