Planned Parenthood in Announcing East 7th Street Health Center Renovations 

Austin, TX: This morning City of Austin leaders and Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas staff and board members announced plans to renovate the iconic East 7th Street Health Center. Planned Parenthood’s East 7th Street Health Center, leased from the City of Austin since 1973, provides healthcare services to more than 5,000 patients annually. 

Watch now: video of remarks from Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas President and CEO Ken Lambrecht, and Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Board Member Saúl González, and Austin Community Board Chair, Shavonne Henderson. 

Purpose of Renovation: To meet Austin’s expanding healthcare needs and serve the next generation of patients, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas made the commitment to invest approx. $1.4 million in private donations to upgrade the E. 7th Street Health Center. $1.35 million has been raised as of October 2019.While minor repairs and maintenance have been performed, this renovation will be the first major improvement to the health center in more than 15 years. Working with local Austin architect, Carter Design Associates, the upgrades will enhance the patient experience and reflect Planned Parenthood’s continued commitment to the Austin community. 

During the renovation process, patients seeking care can book appointments at one of three Planned Parenthood health centers in Austin, including our newest location: the Central Austin Health Center at 2911 Medical Arts, Suite 12. 

Background on East 7th Health Center Healthcare Services: Regardless of zip code, insurance, income level, documentation status, or who they love, Austinites count on Planned Parenthood for essential, preventive healthcare services. In 2018, 88% of Planned Parenthood’s East 7th Street Health Center patients had incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level and due to grant funding, more than $560,000 in patient assistance funding was provided. Of the patients served at 8,350 healthcare appointments in 2018, approximately 80% identified as female, 46% were 20-29 years old, and 48% identified as people of color. Services provided included the following: 

*Long-Acting Reversible Contraception 

Political targeting of health center: As part of on-going efforts by anti-choice lobbyists, Texas’ statewide politicians prioritized passage of a new bill (SB 22) during the 2019 Texas Legislative Session targeting Planned Parenthood and other healthcare providers. The controversial new law took effect on September 1, 2019 and bans “taxpayer resource transactions” between Planned Parenthood and local government agencies. The new law dismantled a wide range of public health programs from Austin to El Paso including: free condom distribution, HIV prevention education in juvenile incarceration facilities, “pop up” health centers on community college campuses, and other health outreach and education programs. Planned Parenthood’s E. 7th Street Health Center lease is not impacted by the new law because the lease precedes the state’s mandate. 

Austin Supports Planned Parenthood’s Health Center: The Austin City Council approved Planned Parenthood’s current lease agreement by a vote of 10-1 in 2018 and by a vote of 7-0 in 2010 following a public hearing process. These votes reflect the Austin community’s support for essential healthcare provided at the E. 7th Street Health Center. 

Learn more about the history of the East 7th Health Center and the renovation project by visiting ppgreatertx.org/ATX.