9/30/13
Get Ready to Get Health Insurance!
Get Involved in the 40 Days for Choice Campaign.
Read about these stories in the October edition of PPWNM's Public Affairs Pulse.
Click here for back issues of the Pulse
9/28/13
Longtime PPWNM Staff Member Honored with Statewide Award
Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan (PPWNM) is proud to congratulate PPWNM Director of Quality and Risk Management Janet Isabell, winner of the Michigan Reproductive Health Distinguished Service Award for 2013. The award is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Public Health Institute, and the recipient is recognized at the annual Michigan Family Planning Update, a statewide conference which was held this year on September 24--25 at Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa in Thompsonville.
9/16/13
September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Have you had your well-woman exam lately? If you are feeling nervous about going, check out the "Wellness Exams" video on our YouTube channel to find out what to expect. Then go to ppwnm.org/healthcenters to call your nearest location and schedule an appointment!
9/5/13
Medicaid Expansion Wins Passage in Michigan.
New Generation of Advocates Gets Schooled.
Read about these stories in PPWNM's monthly advocacy publication, The Public Affairs Pulse, September edition.
Click here for back issues of the Pulse
9/4/13
Planned Parenthood Helping Spread the Word About New Insurance Coverage
"Being female will no longer be considered a preexisting condition" under the new health insurance options beginning Oct.1. Read all about our effort to get people signed up in mLive article.
News conference held in Grand Rapids
8/28/13
PPWNM Applauds Approval of Medicaid Expansion in Michigan
Today nearly half a million hard-working, low-income families are one step closer to the security of quality health care coverage to receive lifesaving care when they need it. We are happy that the Michigan Senate listened to the citizens of Michigan who have been calling on the legislature to accept the federal funds to expand Medicaid coverage to nearly half a million of Michigan's working poor.
Read details of vote in the Detroit Free Press
8/21/13
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
PPWNM offers the HPV vaccine for women ages 18-26. Funding assistance is available!
Click here to learn more about HPV
8/7/13
Medicaid Expansion Effort Still Alive in Michigan.
Prepping for Health Insurance Marketplace to Open Oct. 1.
Read about these stories and more in PPWNM's monthly advocacy publication, The Public Affairs Pulse, August edition
Click here for back issues of the Pulse
7/15/13
As Summer Heats Up, So Does the War On Women
Read about the abortion vote debacle in Texas
How it could happen here in Michigan
What YOU can do to support women's health in Michigan
7/1/13
The Latest Chapter in the Birth Control Debate, and Why You Should 'Decline to Sign'
Check out the July edition of PPWNM's Public Affairs Pulse
Click here for back editions of The Pulse
6/28/13
PPWNM Offers Free Summer Sex Ed Programs for Grand Rapids Area Teens
Teens: looking for something different to do this summer? Planned Parenthood is excited to offer its dynamic, interactive, fun and straight-talking comprehensive sex education programming for teens in the Grand Rapids area. This summer, the programs are being held at Fountain St. Church in downtown Grand Rapids. Teens have a chance to meet peers from all over the community while learning about relationships, communication, and sexual health and safety in a fun, relaxed and open atmosphere. The classes are taught by fully trained and experienced sexual health educators from Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan.
Meals are provided and teens receive a gift card upon completion of the full program. Transportation is not provided. Choose from:
Safer Choices Project for youth ages 12-19: Monday-Friday, July 15-19, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Peer Education for teens ages 14-18: Monday-Friday, July 22-Aug 1 (Thursday), 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To learn more about the programs, including how to apply, click the links above.
6/12/13
Free HIV Testing Day at PPWNM on Thursday, June 27
You are invited to "Take the test, take control" for FREE on Thursday, June 27, 2013, at any PPWNM health center in recognition of National HIV Testing Day. You must call and schedule an appointment. Call 800-230-PLAN (7526) for the Planed Parenthood health center nearest you or go to ppwnm.org/healthcenters for the list of PPWNM locations and phone numbers. Offer good only at PPWNM health centers. Click the graphic to learn more about this special offer.
6/11/13
Obama Administration to Drop Fight Over EC OTC
The Obama Administration has announced that the FDA will comply with a federal judge's order to make emergency contraception available over the counter for all women, with no age restrictions.
"This is a historic moment for women's health and equity," said Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards.
Click here for full statement from Richards
6/10/13
Taking on a Ballot Initiative in Michigan, and Canvassing for Health Care
Read about Planned Parenthood's advocacy work in Michigan in PPWNM's Public Affairs Pulse, June edition.
Click here for back editions of The Pulse
5/24/13
PPWNM Hours Changes for week of May 27
All PPWNM Health Centers and Administrative Headquarters closed on Monday, May 27, 2013, for the Memorial Day Holiday; and on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, for staff training. PPWNM's Marquette Health Center closed from May 27-30; open Friday, May 31 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Health Center locations
5/22/13
Free Parent Workshop: Teens and Tech on Thursday, May 30
Kids and computers go hand in hand these days. What are your kids doing on their smart phone or tablet? The numbers are startling:
- 75% are on social networking sites
- 50% have experienced "digitally abusive behavior"
- 25% have been cyberbullied
- 20% have engaged in "sexting."
Learn what you need to know to stay one step ahead of your kids at our free workshop, Sex and Tech: Teens, Sexting, and Safe Use of Technology. The workshop features a guest speaker from the Washtenaw Area Council for Children, a full dinner, and a $25 gift card for parents who register in advance! The event is Thursday, May 30, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at PPWNM headquarters, 425 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids. Call (616) 774-7005 or e-mail education@ppwnm.org to register.
5/21/13
Grant Announcements
Thank you to our friends at the Marquette Area Zonta Club for supporting PPWNM's Project Safe and Healthy. This project provides evidence-based sexuality education programming in the Marquette area to high school and college women. Project Safe and Healthy offers knowledge, skills, and support to help prevent unhealthy relationships, unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV.
PPWNM is grateful to receive support for its Cervical Cancer Prevention program from the Community Endowment Fund and the Maude and Gorton Milliken Fund of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.
Many thanks to the Charlevoix County Community Foundation for its grant to PPWNM to help educate young people about the struggles and realities of being a teen parent. The grant funds 10 board games called Ready or Not: The Teen Parenting Game, designed exclusively by PPWNM educators, and costs associated with utlizing the game as part of PPWNM's Project Smart Choices program. Project Smart Choices is a comprehensive, evidence-based sexuality education program for students 12-17 in Charlevoix County. The primary goal of the project is to prevent unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and unhealthy relationships in the teen population. Thank you to the Charlevoix County Community Foundation for this award.
5/1713
PPWNM Spring 2013 Newsletter
This month's cover story: Planned Parenthood has recently refreshed it's look and logo. Along with this rebranding comes a renewed commitment to our clients and communities with our new tagline: "Care. No matter what."
Also inside:
* Learn about our special fundraising campaign, Standing Tall, and how far we've come toward our goal
* See personal messages of thanks from our grateful clients
* Read about a PPWNM teen leader who is making a statewide impact
* Attend a fundraising event or take an action to help your friends and neighbors stay healthy
5/12/13
Women's Health Week, May 12-18
National Women's Health Week is the perfect time to schedule your well-woman exam at Planned Parenthood.
More information
If you are uneasy, uncomfortable, or not sure what to expect from your exam, watch this video to get informed and be prepared.
4/29/13
President Obama Says "Thank you" and "I'm with you" in Address to Planned Parenthood
Watch speech here
4/26/13
Marquette Volunteer Honored with Martha Hatch Award
Marquette local, Kathy Davis, will be honored at Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan's (PPWNM) 7th annual Healthy Families Luncheon to be held at the Masonic Building on Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Davis will receive the Martha Hatch award for her dedication to Planned Parenthood. She has been a volunteer for over 15 years and is a former board member. If you would like to attend the Healthy Families Luncheon fundraiser, please RSVP by April 29 to Jim at (906)-225-6733 ext 2930 or nortonj@ppwnm.org.
Click here for full news release
4/17/13
TEENS ONLY! Earn Money for Eating Pizza! Join us for a GYT House Party.
GYT (Get Yourself Tested) Sex Ed Trivia House Party Tuesday, April 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Planned Parenthood, 425 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Free pizza and snacks, play trivia and games to learn about sexual health, meet new people, and earn $25! Space is limited and you MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND.
Click here for full details
4/11/13
PPWNM Annual Report 2012
Our theme for FY2012 is "Grounded and Growing." Look back at our successes, and see where we are heading from here!
Click here for 2012 annual report
4/8/13
Muskegon "Talk Early Talk Often" Workshop for Parents April 16
Talk Early Talk Often is a nationally recognized parent workshop aimed at helping parents of middle or high school students talk with their kids about abstinence and sexuality. The workshop is free and includes dinner. The first 20 people to register and complete the workshop will receive a $25 gift card. The event is Tuesday, April 16 at Muskegon Middle School from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Call (231) 215-3117 or email fergusonm@ppwnm.org.
4/5/13
PPWNM Recognizes GYT (Get Yourself Tested) Month with Special Offer and Teen Pizza Party
The 5th annual GYT campaign kicks off in April (National STD Awareness Month) with initiatives across the country. GYT is a national campaign designed to promote sexual health and address the high rates of sexually transmitted diseases among those under 25. New data from the CDC shows that STDs (also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs) are on the rise in the United States, especially among young people.
This month at PPWNM health centers, get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV for just $50 for all three.
Additionally, PPWNM's education program will hold a free GYT pizza party for people age 14 and up, featuring sex ed trivia and other fun learning activities. Ten $25 gift cards will be raffled off at the end for those who register and attend in full. The GYT party is Tuesday, April 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 425 Cherry St. SE in Grand Rapids. Registration is required. Call (616) 774-7005 or email education@ppwnm.org.
Click here for full GYT news release
Click here for more info on STDs
4/1/13
The Fight Over Medicaid Expansion in Michigan; and the Most Extreme Abortion Ban in the Country
Read about these stories in PPWNM's Public Affairs Pulse, April edition.
Click here for back editions of the Pulse
3/23/13
Celebrating Affordable Care Act Anniversary: We ALL Benefit When Women Have Access to No Co-Pay Birth Control PPWNM celebrates the three-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010, and is beginning to make a significant health and economic difference in the lives of women across the country who have access to birth control without co-pays for the first time. Approximately 47 million women nationally and more than 1.5 million women in Michigan stand to benefit from the ACA, including a key provision requiring health insurers to cover many women's preventive health care services, including birth control, with no co-pays.
3/13/13
Join us for Lunch, Help Families Stay Healthy
It's that time of year again! Our 2013 Healthy Families premier fundraising events are set for Grand Rapids, Marquette, Petoskey, and Traverse City. Make your plans to join us today! Spend time with like-minded friends, enjoy a complimentary meal and engaging speakers, and learn more about how Planned Parenthood keep families healthy — and how you can help too! RSVP is required to attend.
3/8/13
Teens and Families: Join Us for a Party!
Pizza party for teens and their families at PPWNM in Grand Rapids on Thursday, March 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Event is free, and first 10 families to register and attend the full event receive $25 gift card. Our topic is Sexual Messages in the Media. We'll explore how to wade through the mixed mesages teens see and hear every day. Great teachable/talkable moments for families! Must RSVP to attend at (616) 774-7005 or education@ppwnm.org.
3/8/13
Happy International Women's Day!
March is Women's History Month, and March 8 is International Women's Day. All this month, Planned Parenthood is highlighting our heroes of reproductive rights, violence against women, HIV/AIDS and gender dis crimination.
3/1/13
Victories for Women's Health!
Read about several recent victories for women's health in PPWNM's Public Affairs Pulse, March edition.
Click here for back editions of the Pulse
2/26/13
Expanded Walk-In Hours in Grand Rapids for Teens Only
Several PPWNM health centers offer walk-in hours — you can stop in for services without an appointment. Just added at Irwin/Martin Health Center in Grand Rapids: walk-in hours FOR TEENS ONLY every Tuesday from 3-6pm. Irwin/Martin also offers walk-in hours open to all ages on Mondays from 10:30-4pm. Here is the full list of PPWNM walk-in hours:
Big Rapids: Wednesdays, 10am-3pm
Evenson (Wyoming): Wednesdays, noon-4pm
Irwin/Martin (Grand Rapids): Mondays, 9:00am-4pm (open to all) and Tuesdays, 3-6pm (teens only)
Lemmen (Ionia): Tuesdays, 3-7pm
Muskegon: Walk in clients welcome all hours
2/11/13
Protect Your Sexual Health for Valentine's Day, and Every Day!
With Valentine's Day on February 14, this is the season for couples, and for love! PPWNM urges sexually active individuals to talk to their partners about the importance of using condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy.
"You could give your Valentine chocolate or flowers, but the foundation of a loving and healthy relationship is communication," said Kym Duursma, education specialist with PPWNM. "Negotiating condom use with your partner doesn't have to be a scary conversation when you focus on the message, 'Wear. No matter what. Because I care. No matter what.'"
In February, PPWNM health centers are distributing free Valentine "condom pops" consisting of two condoms, a lollipop, information about safe sex, and links to more information. Just stop in and ask! PPWNM advocates will also distribute the pops at select community venues. In all, more than 6,000 condoms will be distributed as part of the campaign.
And don't forget, you can ALWAYS get three (3) free condoms at any PPWNM health center when you stop in and ask!
Watch videos about correct condom use (English and Spanish) on YouTube
2/6/13
February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Planned Parenthood is hosting a Twitter Town Hall on the topic on Thursday, February 7 at 11:30 a.m. (EST) via the hashtag #HIVaware. Please join us.
Get tested for HIV at any PPWNM location and get results in 20 minutes or less!
2/4/13
The Pulse
Check out the February Public Affairs Pulse: the 40th Anniversary of Roe v Wade Edition.
Click here for back editions of The Pulse
2/1/13
60 Days. 1 Million Voices: Let Obama Administration Know You Support No-Cost Birth Control!
On February 1, the Obama administration announced they will hold the line on making no-cost birth control available to women under the Affordable Care Act, despite a small but vocal opposition. The president is making good on his promise to the 99 percent of sexually active American women who have used birth control at some point in their life.
Now, the fight starts anew. The administration has 60 days to collect public comments on the rule. Add your name in support of the administration's decision about birth control by clicking the link below. Sign it for yourself, your daughters, and granddaughters. Sign it because independence, equality, and the right to make our own health care decisions are worth fighting for.
We will submit your comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Click here to show your support
1/22/13
PPWNM Stands with Women on the 40th Anniversary of Roe v Wade
On the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan (PPWNM) stands with women across the country in reinforcing the importance of safe and legal abortion. Despite a woman's constitutional right to make her own personal medical decisions without interference from politicians, access to safe and legal abortion is still at risk.
"As a leading women's health care provider and advocate in Michigan, PPWNM understands that abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision for a woman to consider if and when she needs it," said PPWNM President/CEO Katherine Humphrey.
Read full news release
Watch video, "You're Not in Her Shoes"
Learn more at roeishereforgood.org
1/18/13
Welcome Blue Care Network and Priority Health!
PPWNM is now accepting Blue Care Network and Priority Health health insurance as an in-network provider. We also accept dozens of other health plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna/Cofinity and Medicaid. No insurance? We'll help make your care affordable for YOU!
Click here to find a PPWNM health center
1/9/13
New Study Shows Rise in HPV-Related Cancers; Screening Key to Prevention
On the heels of a new report showing a rise in HPV-related cancers, PPWNM urges young people to get vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus known as HPV (human papillomavirus).
"HPV-related cancers are preventable," said PPWNM Nurse Practitioner Shelley Paulsen. "That is what families need to take away from this study. The earlier young men and women are vaccinated against HPV, the better."
The report, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also points to Pap testing as contributing to substantial declines in cervical cancer in the United States and other developed countries over the past several decades, "Early detection through the use of Pap testing is key to preventing deaths from cervical cancer," said Paulsen.
1/4/13
What Does Roe v Wade Mean to You?
January 22, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision ensuring a woman's right to choose. PPWNM's Justice Engagement Team (JET) is compiling a book about what Roe v Wade means to individuals, 40 years later. We would love to include your submission! The deadline to submit is January 12, 2013.
12/28/12
Governor Makes Decisions Regarding Abortion Restrictions in Michigan
Gov. Snyder has signed HB 5711 and vetoed SB 1293. Both measures included new restrictions on abortion in Michigan.
Click here for full story
Click here to read letter of explanation from Gov. Snyder
12/17/12
Tell Gov. Snyder to Veto Anti-Women's Health Bills
State lawmakers have passed bills that are dangerous for Michigan women and families. Please ask Governor Snyder to veto these outrageous measures.
Click here to contact the Governor
Click here for PPWNM statement about the bills
12/7/12
Tell Your Elected Officials the Attacks Must Stop!
It is time to keep politicians out of women's personal medical desicions! As this year's legislative session comes to a close anti-women's health lawmakers in Michigan are trying to push through dangerous, onerous and outrageous policy initiatives which include efforts to:
* Regulate abortion clinics out of existence.
* Limit abortion access for women in rural areas.
* Prevent private insurance companies from covering any abortion services.
* Give a tax credit for fetuses, but not children.
* Allow providers to deny any health care service they deem objectionable.
Let's stop playing politics with women's health, and start focusing on the real issues facing our state. If it is the goal of the policymakers to reduce the number of abortions in Michigan, preventing unintended pregnancies should be their top priority. Elected officials should spend time on the serious issues impacting our state, not limiting access to reproductive healthcare.
Click here to make your voice heard and tell your elected officials that these attacks must stop!
11/28/12
Ask Me Anything! Retiring Sex Educator to Hold Online Chat About Her 40-Year Career
PPWNM Vice President of Leadership and Development Jan Lunquist is retiring at the end of 2012 after 38 years of service. mLive/Grand Rapids Press has invited Jan to participate in a live, online chat tomorrow, Thursday, November 28 at noon. Please join us for some enlightening online conversation.
Read mLive article and get live chat info
11/15/12
Give the Gift of Planned Parenthood at Alternative Gift Fair in Petoskey
PPWNM is proud to once again be a part of the annual Alternative Gift Fair in Petoskey! The event is Saturday, December 1, 2012, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Petoskey United Methodist Church. Donate to Planned Parenthood in someone's honor and receive a beautiful gift card describing your gift, to give at the holidays. A way to simplify holiday shopping, support local organizations and truly celebrate the spirit of the season, the Gift Fair has become a defining event in what it means to be part of the Petoskey community.
11/13/12
Free HIV Testing Day December 3 at Big Rapids Health Center
Planned Parenthood Big Rapids Health Center offering free HIV testing on Monday, December 3, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This special offer marks World AIDS Day, which falls on Saturday, December 1. Appointments are encouraged. Call (231) 796-8612 for the Big Rapids Health Center.
11/12/12
Jewel in Our Crown, Stepping Down: Leader in Sex Education to Retire After 38 Years!
PPWNM proudly, fondly, and reluctantly bids farewell to Vice President of Leadership and Development Janis A. Lunquist, MA, at the end of 2012, after 38 years of service! Lunqist is widely recognized as an expert in sexuality education, even appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and is responsible for starting and growing the education program at Planned Parenthood, and later, across west and northern Michigan.
11/6/12
A Victory for Women's Health!
President Obama wins re-election.
10/31/12
Welcome Blue Care Network!
PPWNM is now accepting Blue Care Network health insurance. We also accept dozens of other health plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna/Cofinity and Medicaid. No insurance? We'll help make your care affordable for YOU!
Click here to find a PPWNM health center
10/24/12
Shop 'Til You Drop for PPWNM in Traverse City!
Love to shop? The holidays are coming, and you can support Planned Parenthood while finding those unique and interesting gifts in downtown Traverse City. Merchants give back to their community during this one-day Shop Your Community Day promotion on Saturday, November 10, 2012. Shop at participating downtown Traverse City stores and donate 15% of your purchase price to PPWNM!
Click here for participating merchants
10/11/12
National Coming Out Day is Oct. 11, and Ally Week is Oct. 15-19
Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or as an ally. We can, and should, come out as straight supporters of LGBT people. There is power in numbers. Many civil rights movements were successful because people from all walks of life stood shoulder to shoulder in fighting bias. We can use our power this year particularly by voting for people who support the LGBT movement.
The Human Rights Campaign and PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) have worked together to create a guide called Coming Out as a Straight Supporter. The resource is intended to be a welcoming guide for straight supporters to build bridges of understanding when someone they know comes out to them. The following is an excerpt:
We live in a society where prejudice still exists; where discrimination, both legal and illegal, is still far too common; and where even the physical safety of your friend, loved one or acquaintance can be at risk. That's an unfortunate reality — and that's part of your friend's or loved one's life. Recognizing these facts and giving your support to that person will not only take your relationship to a higher level — it can also help take a small step toward a better and more accepting world, for your loved one and for all of us.
Click here for full guide, Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG
Ally Week, started in 2005 by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) will be celebrated October 15-19, 2012, in schools and communities nationwide. During Ally Week, students identify, support and celebrate Allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language, bullying and harassment in America's schools. Students will encourage their peers and school staff to sign an Ally Pledge which states:
I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, deserve to feel safe and supported. That means I pledge to:
1.Not use anti-LGBT language and slurs;
2.Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where other students are being harassed;
3.Support efforts to end bullying and harassment.
Click here to take the pledge online, GLSEN
10/5/12
PPWNM Urges Women Under 40 to Take Control of Breast Health
News release
Twitter Town Hall on Breast Health to be Held October 9
Tuesday, October 9 at 1p.m. EST, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), Dr. Deborah Nucatola, senior director of medical services at PPFA, and Dr. Mark Pearlman, a preeminent breast cancer expert and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan, will lead a Twitter Town Hall on Breast Health as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ask questions by using the hash tag #betterbreasthealth or mentioning @PPFAQ That's Tuesday, October 9 at 1 p.m. EST.
10/2/12
Text Questions, Get Answers
Planned Parenthood offers a text hotline for teens with questions about pregnancy, birth control, emergency contraception, abortion, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Text "PPGO" to 774636 (PPINFO) to get answers to your questions.
Check out this YouTube video to learn more, including hours of operation (listed in video description).
10/1/12
October is Let's Talk Month
Teens name parents as their biggest influence when it comes to decisions about sex. Let's Talk Month in October encourages family communication on the sometimes tricky topic of S-E-X. This year, Planned Parenthood teamed with Family Circle magazine to spread the word and offer solid advice, from experts and families alike. We even asked teens and parents — including actors Cynthia Nixon, Elizabeth Banks, and Alfre Woodard — about the conversations they've had with their families about sex, and share their stories. It's all available in one place; just click the link below.
Click here for our Let's Talk Month webpage of resources for parents and families
9/28/12
Vasectomy Program Helps Fund Procedures in Muskegon County
Public Health – Muskegon County's Family Planning Task Force announces the start of a free vasectomy clinic, the only one of its kind in the state. Funding for the first year is being provided through the Peggy Jensen and Gerald Nehra Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan is the fiduciary agency. Local surgeon, Dr. Dick Kamps is performing the surgeries. This service is limited to low-income men who are residents of Muskegon County. Men who are interested can contact Planned Parenthood's Muskegon Health Center at (231) 724-4415 for more information.
9/26/12
Planned Parenthood Fundraiser Features Passionate Supporters, Grateful Clients
Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan (PPWNM) held its annual Healthy Families Luncheon fundraiser at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City on Tuesday, September 25. Supporters packed the ballroom to hear a line-up of speakers that included PPWNM staff, donors, and clients.
9/20/12
PPWNM Publicly Announces Standing Tall Campaign, Renaming of Two Health Centers
PPWNM is publicly announcing the $3 million Standing Tall campaign after securing $2.5 million in lead donations. As part of the campaign, PPWNM is renaming its Ionia Health Center to the Lemmen Health Center in recognition of a lead gift from area philanthropist Harvey Lemmen, originallly of Ionia. PPWNM is also renaming its Traverse City Health Center the Karen Christensen Walker Health Center in honor of a lead donation from Edward C. and Karen C. Walker and family, of Traverse City.
9/14/12
PPWNM Newsletter
It's been a busy summer at PPWNM! As we move into fall, please click the link below to learn more about some interesting developments when it comes to affordable sexual health care and quality sexuality education in our community.
PPWNM Connection Fall 2012
9/4/12
Healthy Families Luncheons Coming Up in Muskegon, Traverse City
Healthy Families events are PPWNM's annual fundraisers held in five communities each year. Come learn more about our organization, mingle with like-minded friends, enjoy food and beverages in beautiful settings, and support a worthy cause that keeps 100% of your donation dollars working right here in West and Northern Michigan. The Traverse City luncheon will be held Tuesday, September 25 and the Muskegon luncheon will be on Thursday, October 25. We woud love for you to attend!
8/31/12
PPWNM Co-sponsors Free Health Care Seminar in Muskegon October 2
Join us for an informative, free seminar! This powerful presentation discusses the critical issues facing women's health, including the impact of the Affordable Care Act on women. This seminar is co-sponsored by PPWNM and Michigan Consumers for Healthcare. RSVP IS REQUIRED. Refreshments will be available.
8/21/12
Big Changes to Better Serve Our Clients!
PPWNM is launching its new computerized patient medical records system beginning in August 2012! This system will improve quality, efficiency, and access to health care at PPWNM's eight health centers. We will be able to provide a higher quality of care by easily tracking and monitoring what services a patient needs, and when. Improvements in efficiency include less paperwork, fewer forms to fill out, faster check-ins and check-outs, speedier lab results, and even shorter appointment times. Electronic access to records also means we are better able to coordinte care with our patients' other health providers, pay sources, and pharmacies.
In the short term, we ask our patients to bear with us as our staff members learn the new Greenway electronic records system over the remainder of 2012. Appointment times may be longer, and even returning patients will need to repeat their health histories as their clinician enters the information via computer during the visit. In the long run, PPWNM patients can look forward to faster, safer, more convenient service and better communication among all of their health care providers!
8/1/12
Planned Parenhood Celebrates Key Affordable Care Act Milestone for Women's Preventive Care!
News release
7/30/12
Grant Award
Thank you to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for awarding PPWNM $10,000 to be used for cervical cancer prevention at our Muskegon Health Center, 209 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon (inside Public Health-Muskegon County). If you are in need of sexual health services in Muskegon, including a Pap test, please call our office at (231) 724-4415.
7/11/12
PPWNM Annual Report
FY2011
7/5/12
PPWNM Co-sponsors Free Health Care Seminars July 18-19
Join us for one of these informative, powerful presentations discussing the critical issues facing women's health, including the impact of the Affordable Care Act on women. Events are being held in Houghton, Marquette, and Traverse City.
6/28/12
Planned Parenthood Statement on Affordable Care Act Supreme Court Ruling
Click here
6/25/12
Petoskey Residents Support Planned Parenthood
Emmet and Charlevoix area residents gathered together at Harris Gardens on the lawn of North Central Michigan College to hear impactful speakers express why supporting Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan (PPWNM) is more critical than ever. Attendance at the annual Healthy Families Benefit on June 14, 2012, doubled from last year to 200 guests and raised nearly $35,000 dollars for reproductive health care for women and men.
Nationally renowned speaker, illustrator and actor, Tami Evans, engaged the audience with a burst of humorous reflections and an analogy of why sex education is so critical.
“Our bodies are like a Bugati Veyron 16.4 - boasting a maximum speed of more than 248 miles per hour - full of potential, beauty and unlimited speed,” said Evans. “What if no one had bothered to teach us how to safely drive a car, and then put us behind the wheel of a Bugatti Veyron?"
Click here to read more
News release
6/6/12
Planned Parenthood Founder Honored at Fundraising Event
Results are in from Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan's (PPWNM) recent fundraising luncheon in Marquette. The Healthy Families Luncheon 2012, held May 3 at the Masonic Building, brought out 117 supporters who raised nearly $14,000.
The late Dr. Wallace Pearson Sr. was honored at the event for tireless devotion to Planned Parenthood. Dr. Pearson was instrumental in bringing the first Planned Parenthood health center to Marquette, and served as the first medical director, a position he voluntarily held for 20 years. Pearson died October 15, 2011, at age 80.
Also at the luncheon, PPWNM President/CEO Kathy Humphrey acknowledged and thanked Zonta Club of Marquette Area for awarding a $750 grant to PPWNM's Project Safe and Healthy. Project Safe and Healthy will provide evidence-based sexuality education programming for young women in the Marquette area.
5/31/12
Free HIV Testing Week at PPWNM, June 25-29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 is National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). NHTD is an annual campaign coordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS to encourage people of all ages to "Take the Test, Take Control." Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan (PPWNM) health centers are participating by offering free HIV testing by appointment the week of June 25-29, 2012, during regular business hours. PPWNM operates eight health centers in a 52-county region of Michigan. Call the health center nearest you to make an appointment today.
5/30/12
Grant Award
Thanks so much to Three Generations Circle of Women Givers in Traverse City for funding our Ready or Not Project! The Project aims to reduce unintended and too early pregnancy, through the use of PPWNM's Ready or Not teen parenting game. Looking forward to receiving our award at Three Generations' fundraiser Friday, June 1, with special guest Sen. Debbie Stabenow!
5/29/12
Survey 2012: Teens Say Parents Most Influence Their Decisions About Sex
May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month and The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has released a new survey of both teens and adults on the topic. Teens say parents most influence their decisions about sex and 87 percent say it would be much easier for them to postpone sex and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents. Read full survey and learn more about parent-child communication on the topic of sex on our For Parents page.
5/17/12
Growing Support for Comprehensive Sex Ed and an End to Abstinence-Only Programs
On May 17, 2012, the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) passed a resolution in support of comprehensive sex education. The resolution expresses strong support for current initiatives and support for expanding federal programs and funding for comprehensive sex education and HIV prevention for youth, building on the existing body of evidence. In addition, the resolution calls for the elimination of federal funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs as well as for no federal funding to be used for programs that withhold information, are medically inaccurate or have been shown to be ineffective, promote gender stereotypes, or ignore or stigmatize LGBT young people, etc. Of note, the resolution also requests that HHS' review their list of evidence-based programs with these content standards in mind. Some of the language also reflects and is pulled from the Sense of Congress in the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act in order to support those efforts.
5/1/12
STD Special Offer Becomes Standard
PPWNM thanks everyone who followed our Best Kept Secrets campaign over the past few months, shared information, or accessed our special offers for free birth control or $50 STD testing at one of our eight health centers. Due to the response to this campaign and the needs in the communities that we serve, we are ending our campaign with one final Best Kept Secret: our $50 STD testing package is now a standard offer at PPWNM! New or current clients can receive chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV screening for just $50 for all three tests, any time during regular business hours at any PPWNM location. Call ahead for an appointment or take advantage of walk-in hours at several of our locations. The entire process takes just 1-1 ½ hours.
Learn more: Best Kept Secrets, STD special offer, PPWNM health centers
4/1/12
April is GYT month
April is National STD Awareness Month and, since 2009, GYT Month! GYT (Get Yourself Talking, Get Yourself Tested) encourages young people to talk with health care providers and partners about getting tested for STDs. According to the CDC, approximately half of the estimated 19 million STDs occurring in the U.S. each year are among people age 25 and younger.
During April Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan (PPWNM) is offering a discounted STD testing package in support of GYT. New or current patients can get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV – all three tests for just $50 through April 30.
3/29/12
PPWNM Healthy Families Fundraisers 2012
Healthy Families events are PPWNM's annual fundraisers held in five communities each year. Come learn more about our organization, mingle with like-minded friends, enjoy food and beverages in beautiful settings, and support a worthy cause that keeps 100% of your donation dollars working right here in West and Northern Michigan. We woud love for you to attend! Click here to learn more.
3/16/12
Planned Parenthood Website Ranks Number 1 for Teens!
The journal Clinical Pediatrics just published a study evaluating the different sexual health information websites for adolescents, and ranked plannedparenthood.org number one! They evaluated almost 30 such websites on four criteria: “authority” (i.e., legitimacy, credentialing, etc.), “interactivity,” “usability,” and “educational content.” The citation is Whitley, L. B., Mello, J. Hunt, O., and Brown, L. K. (2012). “A Review of Sexual Health Web Sites for Adolescents,” Clinical Pediatrics: 51(3): 209-213.
3/9/12
Free Dinner Workshop for Parents on March 27
The first 20 people who register and complete the workshop will receive a $25 gift Card!
PPWNM is bringing the nationally recognized Talk Early Talk Often workshop to Muskegon during March, which is Parenting Awareness Month. Talk Early & Talk Often is aimed at helping parents of middle and high school youth talk with their children about abstinence and sexuality. The workshop helps parents recognize and use opportunities to open the door for conversation, listen and respond with greater confidence and skill and to feel comfortable seeking outside sources of information.
The workshop is free of charge, a light dinner will be served, and parents will receive take-home materials. Parents only, please!
The Muskegon workshop is on Tuesday, March 27, at the Muskegon High School cafeteria from 5-7:30 p.m.
Space is limited so please call early to reserve a spot by e-mailing education@ppwnm.org or calling (616) 774-7005.
2/28/12
Ready or Not: The Teen Parenting Game Now on Sale
PPWNM proudly presents Ready or Not: The Teen Parenting Game. This board game for 4-8 players, ages 12 and up, takes players on a month-long journey in the life of a teen parent. Players make real-life decisions about how to spend their limited incomes, juggle work and school, deal with bad landlords, and, of course, care for their newborn infant (sometimes, two!). A great learning tool for classrooms, youth programs, and families!
1/19/12
Best Kept Secrets revealed!
Psst...Pass it on! Best Kept Secrets revealed weekly - about your sexual health, and how to stay healthy and safe in 2012. For too many people, sexual health remains a secret: something talked about in hushed tones, rumors passed along through word-of-mouth. Our Best Kept Secrets campaign is designed to shred the myths and spread reliable, useful information. Psst...Pass it on!
1/16/12
Two Special Offers from PPWNM
We are kicking off the new year with two special offers from PPWNM: STD testing package for just $50, and one month free birth control. These offers are good through April 30, 2012. We are here - for you, your loved ones, neighbors, and friends - providing affordable services and professional, private care. Check us out with two special offers in 2012!
