Press Releases

October 8, 2007

PPSA Announces 35th Anniversary Awardees

Planned Parenthood Springfield Area will be honoring three individuals for their commitment to supporting women’s health care at its 35th Anniversary Celebration on October 11, 2007. Rich Owens will receive the Distinguished Service Award, Dr. Michael Brewer the Margaret Award and US Senator Richard Durbin the Outstanding Leadership Award.     

Rich Owens, who currently serves as Planned Parenthood’s Treasurer, has held every elected office plus served on numerous task forces along with chairing the Art Auction and other fundraising events over the past sixteen years. In addition, he served as a Bingo Team Leader for over ten years raising funds that helped purchase and modernized the PPSA health center.  

Dr. Michael Brewer originally served on the PPSA Board of Director and in 1991 became the Medical Director, a part-time position he still holds today. Besides his dedication to improving women’s health care at PPSA, he has served in other community health related activities plus provided health care through multiple mission trips to South America and Africa. 

US Senator Dick Durbin throughout his twenty years of leadership has fought to protect women’s rights including reproductive rights, coverage of contraceptives in health insurance programs and funding for family planning. He has supported expanding access to preventive health care services that reduce unintended pregnancy, reduce the number of abortions and improve access to women’s health care.

These three individuals have done much to improve the lives of women and their families in our community and throughout the world. PPSA is deeply honored to recognize them for their efforts to make all our lives a little better.

Planned Parenthood Springfield Areas 35th Anniversary celebration will take place Thursday, October 11, 2007 at the Inn at 835 with a dinner and program.