By Kristen Glundberg-Prossor, Media Relations Director
The December 31, 2011 closures our Oak Harbor, Silverdale, and Forks health centers were part of a general reduction and restructuring of the organization. Additionally, we will be downsizing operations in Sitka, Alaska and moving to a smaller location.
The decision to close these particular health centers was not made lightly. Throughout this economic downturn, it was previously possible for PPGNW’s larger health centers to subsidize the smaller locations. Now, with additional loss of state and federal funding and increased patient eligibility requirements for family planning programs, fewer can access services.
Critically important in making this decision was ensuring that PPGNW patients could continue to receive needed health care services at nearby Planned Parenthood health centers. Oak Harbor patients will be referred to Planned Parenthood health centers in Mt. Vernon, Everett, Lynnwood, or Marysville. Silverdale patients will be referred to our Bremerton health center, just six miles away; and Forks patients will be referred to our Port Angeles health center.
We will open a smaller facility in Sitka to accommodate our patients via telemedicine services. The Sitka health center will serve as the pilot project for a new and more efficient care delivery model for PPGNW's rural service areas. Our hope is that this model will enable PPGNW to reach many new patients throughout Alaska and other remote areas of the Great Northwest.
The closures and downsizing will impact 2,866 patients out of 90,075 or about three percent of PPGNW’s total patient volume. To assure continuity of care for our affected patients, PPGNW has coordinated with other Planned Parenthood health centers and community providers as needed to maintain access.
“We don’t want any of our patients to fall through the cracks and we will work with them to transition their care,” said Chris Charbonneau, PPGNW CEO / President. “We will make every effort to get our patients the care they need.”
We are deeply saddened that federal family planning restrictions and inadequate state funding have contributed to the closure of these health centers. Washington State Family Planning programs have been cut by $3.53 million during the last four years. In this harsh economy, we can no longer sustain operations in these locations and with future cuts projected, there may be additional closures.
Family planning is basic health care. It is wise public health and fiscal policy to ensure that men and women have access to preventive family planning services. Almost 50 percent of pregnancies in the Northwest are unintended and for every $1 spent on family planning, the state saves over $4 in pregnancy related costs.
We salute our excellent staff who have worked tirelessly to provide the community essential health care like life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, well-woman exams, education programs, STD prevention and treatment, and other family planning services.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of our donors and supporters who have stood with Planned Parenthood to provide quality affordable health care for our patients. As we navigate the current economic downturn, we hope that you will continue to support the mission of Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest.
