I recognize that with the constantly changing COVID-19 situation around the world, this is an unprecedented time – a time that, for many is filled with uncertainty. My heart and thoughts go out to you.
The health, safety, and well-being of our patients, staff, and communities remain a top priority. I and the organization’s leadership are closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19, continuously evaluating our plans and protocols to best meet the needs of those who depend on our services – particularly low income, poor, houseless, and medically vulnerable communities.
Continuing to see patients at our health centers, providing all services - including essential abortion care - to anyone who is in need is critical. Patients are also being referred to the PP Direct app for online care, including birth control and UTI treatment. Downloading the Planned Parenthood Direct app is free and it can be found on your phone's app store.
Working hard to slow down the spread of the virus, all our health centers have appropriate screening precautions in place, and all Planned Parenthood staff who can telecommute are doing so –reducing the number of people in the clinic and reducing the risk of exposure for everyone. A special paid leave for our staff who cannot telecommute, are sick, or are experience COVID-19 related hurdles, has been put in place. In addition, the difficult decision to cancel several major fundraising events through mid-May was made.
We all have a role to play during this time, and there are plenty of ways for you to help. Check in with your neighbors and community, especially with those most vulnerable during this time. Offering to drop off groceries (while following safety guidance), calling people, supporting one another, can make all the difference. Shutting down anti-Asian racism and xenophobic incidents sadly occurring throughout our country is all our responsibilities.
COVID-19 has shaken up our lives for the moment, but remember that powerful, stigma-breaking conversations cannot be canceled. Advocacy cannot be canceled. Community cannot be canceled. Safe, compassionate health care cannot, now or ever, be canceled.
Take care of yourself and others, and please continue to prioritize your health and the health of those around you. We will get through this together.
Tags: covid19