More than just a sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, Planned Parenthood sometimes serves as the only source of health care an individual receives in our community. Many of our patients "fall through the cracks" in Oregon's social service system. They may or may not have access to the Oregon Health Plan or other assistance programs, and they know little about the other resources available through non-profit agencies.
Our client base knows that Planned Parenthood cares. In the process of doing what we do best - sexual and reproductive health care - our clinicians and clinical support staff open doors for many patients. We refer our patients to many other caring and supportive organizations in our community for various needs. The following story is just one example of that process:
A 45 year-old patient is an insulin dependent diabetic which has left her visually impaired. She has had nine laser surgeries for her eyes, yet has not been declared disabled. The vaginal problem for which she was seeking treatment was managed quickly and the visit allowed for more detailed conversation. The woman shared that she lives in a house owned by her boyfriend -- but it is under foreclosure and has no heat. She supports herself by occasionally doing substitute teaching work and odd jobs -- but her car barely functions. She has no money for food, so her diabetes is poorly controlled. This causes her to administer four insulin shots per day. She does have insurance through the Oregon Health Plan, but that's her only assistance. She seems to be barely surviving. She is lonely, her sister has breast cancer, and her mother lives above a tavern out of state. She has no one she can go to for help.
Our clinician and other staff referred her to food bank resources and the YWCA for counseling and social support. They made a phone call to her doctor at the Casey Eye Institute, recommending that he declare her disabled. Finally, they contacted an OHSU diabetic nurse to help her deal more globally with issues of food.
Our staff hear patients stories like this one every day.
Voices of Peru
Women in Peru face many challenges when it comes to their reproductive and sexual health. Planned Parenthood supports local and international organizations that make contraception and family planning services more accessible. www.plannedparenthood.org/international
