Insider News April 2022
In this issue:
- President & CEO Message
- Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Month
- Education and Training Reaching Out to Our Communities
- Equality Amendment Rally and Lobby Day
- How You Can Help
- In Case You Missed It
Dear Friends,
This month marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time when sexual assault advocates, survivors, and allies throughout the country spread awareness about sexual assault as well as share educational messages on how to prevent it and support survivors. Sexual violence can take many shapes and forms in the home, in public, and even online. It’s important that we acknowledge, believe, and reassure survivors of all genders. For more resources, please visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships.
We have a number of events coming in the next several weeks that I hope you will be able to join us for. I am looking forward to seeing you again, in person, as we continue our fight to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care in New York. We all see what is happening in other states across the country and that is why we must stand together now and ensure New York is a safe place for all people to receive the health care they need and deserve.
Thank you for your continued support of PPHP and helping us empower individuals to determine their own sexual health and reproductive futures. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to stay up-to-date on what is happening at PPHP and issues related to sexual and reproductive health care.
In this together,
Vincent Russell
President & CEO
Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Month
Every April, we recognize Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month as an opportunity to educate and fight stigma around STI prevention and treatment. Stigma often causes people to avoid talking about STIs with their partners, and shame can keep people from getting STI testing or treatment.
Your sexual health matters — you matter. Taking care of your sexual health is self-care, and you deserve to have a happy, healthy sex life, if you want one. Knowing your STI status is one way to take charge of your sexual health. STIs can have serious health consequences over time if they go untreated. It’s common to have an STI with no symptoms, so getting tested is the only way to know your status.
We want you to know when it comes to your sexual health, you never need to feel alone. Our health centers provided more than 70,000 STI tests last year. We know that anyone who has sex can get an STI, and that’s OK. STIs can affect anyone regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. We also know that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health care has been more challenging to access.
Whether online or in-person, our health centers offer supportive and safe spaces for you to learn and get care. PPHP is here to help you lead your best life — including your best sex life. No matter what.
To learn more about STIs, please visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-hudson-peconic/patient-resources/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds.
Education and Training Reaching Out to Our Communities
Our Education and Training team is engaged in several exciting activities this month. Since the year began, our team has reached more than 1,000 young people in schools across the four counties we serve. We also attended outreach events at Mercy College and Comsewogue Community Resource Night.
Our Personal Responsibility and Education Program (PREP) team completed Evidence Based Programming (EBP’s) with Sachem Library and Hope for Youth in Suffolk county. We also hosted a Parent Talking circle with the Shinnecock Nation Boys and Girls Club in early April as well as several education programs with Suffolk County Community College, EOC Network, and OLA of Long Island. Additionally, PREP hosted a Food and Game Night with OLA in early April.
Also happening is Suffolk County is the launch of our Teen Information and Peer Services (TIPS) program. We partnered with TRI Community and Youth Agency (TRI CYA) in Suffolk County. The program will cover topics such as Safer Sex, Contraception, Consent, Healthy Relationships, along with many adult preparation topics and healthy habit-forming activities such as meditation and yoga.
In Westchester County, our Promotores program participants have completed their training and they are now actively engaging in community outreach and scheduling education programs in Spanish. Our two Promotores program participants have received thorough training in Spanish on Consent, Contraception, STI’s, and other sexual and reproductive health related topics. Their cohort will conclude in the summer and we look forward to working with new participants in the fall.
To learn more about our Education and Training programs, please visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-hudson-peconic/local-education-training.
Equality Amendment Rally and Lobby Day
Join us on Tuesday, May 10 as we travel to Albany for an Equality Amendment Day of Action lobby day. Working in collaboration with New York Planned Parenthood affiliates, Planned Parenthood Empire State Act (PPESA), New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH), we will be rallying and meeting with elected officials throughout the day to advocate for the passage of the Equality Amendment this legislative session.
The Equality Amendment will:
- expand the number of protected classes. We know there are a lot of identities and groups who do not have full civil rights protections. The Equality Amendment would change that.
- It would provide a pathway to sue in state court citing the Equality Amendment if someone in a protected class experiences discrimination.
- Lastly, it would establish a new standard to prove discrimination. It is very difficult to prove discrimination, and the Equality Amendment would change this.
This is an all-day event and portions of the day will be held outside, rain or shine. Free bus transportation will be provided from Suffolk and Westchester counties. Breakfast and a snack will also be provided. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours is required. Additionally, N-95 or KN-95 masks must be worn on the bus (they will be provided if you do not have one).
We hope you will join us in this important event to stand up for the rights of New Yorkers and to send a message to other states that New York is about protecting the people who live here, not alienating them.
To register for the event, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3XWT8q7kByXIH3Gsn65LOD8AVF1d5JdEIUmU0UKAyBpzMNQ/viewform.
We have exciting events planned for 2022! Be sure to mark your calendars and check your email for more details and ticket and sponsorship opportunities.
The Spring Benefit
Wednesday, April 27, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The Founder’s Room at the Paramount Theater, Huntington
Honoring Evelyn Gay
The East End Benefit
Saturday, June 4, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, Bridgehampton
Honoring Sandy Perlbinder
The Summer Benefit
Saturday, September 10, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
A private waterfront home in St. James
Honoring Ida and Robert Gordon and Roberta Gordon
The Empower Gala
Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
The Sleepy Hollow Hotel and Conference Center, Tarrytown
For more information, visit our Calendar of Events. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!
You can continue to make Care. No Matter What. possible!
A monthly gift to PPHP ensures security for patients in your local communities. Consider joining our Monthly Giving Program today at www.pphp.org/donatetoday.
Double your impact! Does your employer have a matching gift program? Check with your Human Resources Department to find out. For questions, contact the Development Department at [email protected].
Committed to safeguarding the future of reproductive health care? Consider leaving a legacy gift to PPHP in your will. Please contact the Development Department at [email protected].
Do you have a little bit of time to get more involved? Visit www.pphp.org for ways you can help.
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