Planned Parenthood of Mahoning Valley, Inc. has been a trusted provider of health care since 1934, helping women and men make responsible decisions about their reproduction and sexuality. In 2006, our diverse staff offered culturally competent services to over 6,000 patients at our health centers in Youngstown and Warren. In July 2007, PPMV joined four other local affiliates to become Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio.
In 1934, twelve civic minded women organized the Maternal Health Association, and in 1937, a clinic was opened at 212 Bus Arcade downtown. Led by Elizabeth Bentley (pictured below with baby) and Kathryn Challiss Pollock, it was staffed by two physicians and a registered nurse. Five doctors served as the Medical Advisory Board. A month later, the Council of the Mahoning County Medical Society refused to approve the organization and the clinic doors were closed.
In 1938, the group was accepted as a member of the Maternal Health Association of Ohio, which later became the Planned Parenthood League of Ohio. By the fall of 1938, the Mahoning County Medical Council withdrew all objections and the clinic was re-opened. Upon Council's recommendations, a rotating staff of twenty-six physicians, donating their services, was set up. Patients with the doctors' referrals were accepted.
In December of 1938, the Youngstown Maternal Health Association was incorporated. In March of 1939, a code of regulations was established and a Board of Trustees was elected. Elizabeth Bentley was the first board president. The Businessmen's Advisory Committee of eight men, and the Medical Advisory Committee of five doctors were appointed. There was one clinic session on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 AM until noon.
In March of 1944, the Maternal Health Association joined Planned Parenthood Federation of America as an affiliate, and in January 1945, officially changed its name to Planned Parenthood Association of Youngstown. In 1949, pre-maritial counseling was initiated and infertility services began in 1951.
In June of 1969, Planned Parenthood of Trumbull County was organized, spearheaded by Patricia Kaighin. The office was located at 634 Park Avenue in Warren, and a weekly clinic session was held at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.
The Youngstown and Warren Groups joined together in 1972 to form what is now known as Planned Parenthood of Mahoning Valley, Inc. The Columbiana County office opened its doors in 1973, and PPMV became tri-county in scope.
Kathryn Challiss Pollock Award
The Kathryn Challiss Pollock Award was established in 1977 by members of Planned Parenthood of Mahoning Valley Inc. Named after one of our original founders, the award's purpose is to recognize area women and men for their outstanding service in the field of family planning in the Mahoning Valley.
Pollock Award Recipients
1977- Kathryn Challiss Pollock
1979- Paul H. Luce
1980- M. Jean Heck
1981- Kalman C. Kunin, MD
1982- Patricia G. Kaighin
1983- John L. Pogue
1984- William S. Banfield, MD
1985- Jane W. Beilby
1986- Evelyn June Maltbie
1987- Gretchen Dennison
1992- Virginia Shorten
1993- Amy Purrington
1995- Jeanne D. Tyler
1996- Lizette Olsen
1997- Roberta Antoniotti and Deborah Patterson
1998- Capt. C. Alan Stephan
1999- Maxine Houck
2000- Dr. Robert Sacherman and Dr. Carol Sacherman
2002- The Raymond John Wean Foundation
2003- Penny Pinchers
2004- Judie Hartley, WHNP
2005- Senator Marc Dann
2007- Clyde Morris, Ph.D
Partial chart of 1st client
