Our History

Started in 1939, Planned Parenthood in Waco has a rich and long history, providing essential medical services to the Central Texas community.

 1939  A group of community leaders interested in making birth control available in the central Texas area opened the Maternal Health Center in the Child Welfare quarters at City Hall.
 1940 The Maternal Health Center moved to 315 North 4th Street. That same year, the organization began receiving an allotment of $30 per month from Community Chest Agency (what is now the United Way).
 1960  Maternal Health Center changes its name to Planned Parenthood.
 1965  Planned Parenthood moves to 1121 Ross Avenue.
 1988  HIV education and testing program begins.
 1989  Nobody's Fool program begins.
 1991  Columbus Avenue health center opens.
 1994  Began providing first trimester abortion services.
 1995  Columbus Avenue Health Center is named the Audré Rapoport Women’s Health Center & Library.
 2000

 Construction of Administrative Building located at 1121 Ross Avenue is complete.

The Audré Rapoport Library is relocated to the Ross Avenue location.

 2001 The Susan G. Komen Foundation provides funds for a mammogram program for low-income women.
 2003 The Susan G. Komen Foundation increases funding to provide diagnostic follow-up for low-income women with abnormal mammograms.
 2007

Cancer screening services are expanded through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening (BCCS) program funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Two new health centers open in Marlin (Falls County) and Mexia (Limestone County).

 2009  Planned Parenthood in Waco is 70 years old!

Read more in A Brief History of Planned Parenthood in Waco (pdf).


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