Community Leaders Celebrate Reopening of Iconic Planned Parenthood Austin Health Center

Contact: Ana Flores
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
[email protected] 

For Immediate Release: June 2, 2022

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AUSTIN – Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas and Austin community leaders, donors, and supporters gathered at the historic East 7th Street Planned Parenthood Health Center to celebrate the reopening of the newly-renovated and expanded health center.

Guests attending the event included Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Austin City Councilmembers, Natasha Harper-Madison, Sabino “Pio” Renteria, Leslie Pool, Paige Ellis, Vanessa Fuentes, and Kathie Tovo, Texas State Representatives Donna Howard and Vikki Goodwin, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea, former State Senator Kirk Watson, and former Austin City Councilmember Greg Casar.

Senior Program Officer for St. David’s Foundation, Dr. Lourdes Rodriguez, said “Today we celebrate what happens when you create spaces that are welcoming and nonjudgmental... Today we are saying we trust you, we believe you, we care for you, no matter what, with open hearts and open doors.”

Other remarks highlighted the importance of accessible, affordable reproductive healthcare, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities. Community leader and former Planned Parenthood Board member Lulu Flores shared that the East 7th Street Health Center had been a trusted source for that care for nearly 50 years. With the extensive renovations and additional space for community gathering and health education services, the health center is now serving the next generation of Austinites.

The health center is renamed the Saúl González Health Center in memory of Saúl González who passed away in February 2022. González was honored for his contributions as an advocate for the community. He served as a member of the Planned Parenthood Board of Directors, was a co-founder of allgo, and served on the City of Austin LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission.

Patients can make appointments for essential reproductive healthcare such as birth control including IUDs and implants, breast and cervical cancer screenings, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, HIV testing, PrEP and PEP HIV prevention, preventive exams, pregnancy testing, and more. Learn more and make appointments at ppgreatertx.org/ATX.