Our History

In the spring of 1972, Family Planning received a $47,900 federal grant and moved to the Medicenter and hired a director, outreach worker, and secretary/receptionist. During the 15 months at the Medicenter, the patient load increased to 550. Also during 1973, Family Planning of Sangamon County was granted a provisional affiliation with Planned Parenthood of America.

In September of 1973 Planned Parenthood moved downtown to the Broadwell Building on 5th and Washington after being told by the landlord that the space was needed for nursing home residents. In the fourteen-month stay there, the staff increased to include a full-time director, nurse, secretary bookkeeper and receptionist, and a part-time person in information and education. Patient load increased to 1,700. The 1973 budget was $69,000.

November 1, 1974, Planned Parenthood moved into its fourth home at 624 South Second Street, three and one half years after its first clinic. Plans were completed for a second clinic, held at Carver Health Center, and the education program extended into the local schools. Two part-time people were added and full affiliation with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America came in the spring. The 1975 budget was $90,000.

By July 1976, the full-time positions of staff included executive director, office manager, clinic director/nurse, nurse, receptionist, social services director, and part-time bookkeeper. There were three weekly clinics with a client load of 1,500. Pregnancy tests were performed four days a week and problem pregnancy counseling every day. The education program included 10th grade health education and several 7th and 8th grade classes. A record number of people, 4,116, were reached by the end of the year. The budget was $104,000.

In August 1979, another move was necessary because PPSA outgrew the quarters. The Search Committee’s challenge was to more than double the floor space at a cost per square foot less than what we were paying. After seven months, the right place was found at the corner of 5th and Capitol, downtown. Board members, other volunteers, and staff worked together to paint and clean the 75-year-old building’s third floor, which had not been occupied in six years. The 1979 budget was near $200,000 and the active patient load about 2,500. The staff was nine full-time people and six part-time staff and a volunteer corps of 33.

In September 1980, with a supplemental grant of Title X Funds, and earlier in the year with the new influx of Title XX Funds, growth, along with quality assurance, was more of a possibility. A projected patient load of 2,300 could be met, and a growth of 24% for the next year planned. The tenth anniversary was observed with a visit from Faye Wattleton, President of the Federation, and the first Honorary Board of Directors appointed.

A Peer Education Program was initiated in 1984 with Parents Too Soon grant of $55,000. This program allowed PPSA to hire and train eight to ten area high school students to provide sexuality education on-site at local schools. With a grant from National Priority Funds of Title X monies, PPSA was able to provide financial assistance to individuals seeking voluntary sterilization.

During the next five years, PPSA continued its steady growth. By 1984 it became obvious that, once again, additional space was needed and plans were put into motion to secure a new site. In 1986, plans were finalized for a ten-year lease on a new building designed and built specifically for PPSA by a group of supportive developers. A successful $50,000 capital Campaign provided the money needed for start up cost and furnishings for the new building located at 1000 East Washington Street. The move was accomplished in October 1986. At the end of 1986, total medical and counseling clients numbered 4,386. The budget was $430,000.

Ten years later in 1996, PPSA saw over 4,600 clients. New medical services were added including HIV testing and counseling, mid-life services and hormone replacement therapy, Norplant insertions and removals, male testing and treatment, emergency contraception and prenatal assistance. PPSA had 17 full-time, and six part-time employees. The budget was over $850,000.

1998 was a busy and eventful year for PPSA. The patient load was over 5,400 and our operating budget was over $900,000. Many new services were added, including the provision of employment physicals, colposcopies, and cryotherapy.

We also became a provider through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer program. The goal is to reduce mortality from breast and cervical cancer by increasing awareness of the importance of screening and early detection. The program is for low-income and high-risk women.

In April 1998, PPSA decided to invest in our own future by purchasing the building located at 1000 East Washington Street. Family Planning Springfield Area was established as a 501(c)(2) not-for-profit entity for the sole purpose of purchasing and holding real estate. Monies used for the down payment and closing costs were raised through Bingo. Family Planning Springfield Area will have the mortgage paid off by April 2008.

In July 1998, PPSA opened its long awaited second site, Women’s Health Choice, at 2309 West White Oaks Drive. This was a self-sustaining clinic offering all the services as PPSA on a fee-for-service basis. In addition, Women’s Health Choice billed most insurance carriers as a convenience for patients. In March 2003, Women’s Health Choice was closed due to an ongoing deficit.

In October 1999, PPSA became a KidCare Application Agent. KidCare is health insurance for qualifying Illinois children and pregnant women. In July 2006, KidCare became “All Kid”.

In 2005, PPSA hired a full-time physician and expanded services to include LEEP and vulvar biopsies. Emergency contraceptive use exploded and by 2006, 1,800 ECs were distributed. All forms of birth control including the patch and IUDs are provided. In addition, vasectomies are provided to those meeting certain federal guidelines through the SIU Medical School.

PPSA has experienced tremendous growth since its inception over the last 35 plus years. The organization continues to be an innovative pioneer in the national movement to make reproductive information and services available to all who seek them.