Insider News September 2021
In this issue:
- President & CEO Message
- Ending Period Poverty, Part 2
- Getting Ready for Another Year of TIPS
- Sex Education Advocacy Work Goes Local
- How You Can Help
- In Case You Missed It
Dear Friends,
I know you have been following the devastating news about Texas S.B. 8 and the virtual inability for the people of Texas to access abortion. The one uplifting piece of news came last week when the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit challenging the six week abortion ban and seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction blocking the law’s enforcement by the State of Texas as well as private individuals it has effectively deputized to enforce the law. This week the DOJ filed an emergency request with a federal district court in Austin asking for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of S.B. 8, Texas’s unconstitutional six-week abortion ban. This is an ever-evolving situation, and I will keep you updated as more develops.
In a few weeks we are hosting our Empower Gala. It will be our first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year. To protect the health of you and our staff, all in-person attendees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to be admitted into the event. We are also strongly recommending everyone wear a mask while at the event. If you are not yet ready to attend in person, we understand and are offering a virtual option as well. Either way, I hope you will join us for what promises to be an inspirational evening.
Thank you again for your continued support of PPHP and our mission to empower individuals to determine their own sexual health and reproductive futures.
In solidarity,
Vincent Russell
President & CEO
As you may remember, earlier this year we conducted a community drive for menstrual products to share with our community partners, the first one being Women on the Inside. We are now partnering with the Shinnecock Nation in Suffolk County to provide them with much-needed menstrual products. Please visit our Amazon Wish List to make a donation.
The Shinnecock Nation, as well as Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities across the country, have been historically and systemically underserved, resulting in disproportionately higher rates of health issues, housing and food insecurity, and lack of sustainable income. Inability to access to menstrual products is just one way in which these larger systemic issues impact individuals on a day-to-day basis. By working collaboratively with trusted members of the Shinnecock Nation, the menstrual products you donate to PPHP will be distributed to those who need them, providing care and comfort that is readily available to many other people.
Period poverty affects millions of people across the country each month. At PPHP we are proud to be working with community partners and supporters like you to address this ongoing issue.
Getting Ready for Another Year of TIPS
Our Education and Training team is preparing to launch our annual Teen Information and Peer Services (TIPS) program in Westchester, Rockland, Suffolk counties! This is the first year TIPS is being offered in Suffolk County, thanks to a generous gift from The Ida and Robert Gordon Family Foundation, and we are excited to share this program with more teens.
TIPS is an afterschool program that runs throughout the entire school year. Program participants, or TIPSters, will learn the basics of sexual health education and become trained to co-facilitate programs alongside our Community Health Educators. TIPSters also get a chance to learn about various reproductive justice issues and other skills such as resume writing and interviewing, public speaking, and assistance with college applications throughout the school year from our community partner guest speakers.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our TIPS program, please visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-hudson-peconic/local-education-training/youth-programs
Sex Education Advocacy Work Goes Local
We are excited to announce our new Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) local campaign! While most New York State legislators we have spoken with have been supportive of CSE in theory, the bill (S.2584.A/A.6616) has not been passed through the legislature. So, we are changing our tactic and need your help.
Our new approach is to get information to local school boards to get their support to show the New York State Board of Regents directly that communities need and want comprehensive sex ed for their students. This is going to need hands-on outreach and thinking outside of the box with you and members of our community who want to make change.
Are you interested in advocating in your school district or helping lead the campaign with PPHP? Sign up here and the Public Affairs team will follow up!
Final Days to Get Your Empower Gala Tickets
Our Empower Gala is quickly approaching and you will not want to miss out! Please join us Wednesday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. at The Sleepy Hollow Hotel and Conference Center (a virtual option will be available). The keynote speaker for the evening will be Jennifer Sandman, Senior Director, Public Policy Litigation & Law, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. She will discuss what Planned Parenthood is doing to protect access to abortion across the country.
We are proud to honor the Ellis Family with the Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Impact Award and Elaine Chapnick with the Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Legacy Award. Kirstin Cole from PIX is returning as our emcee for the evening.
Sponsorship packages and tickets are available now at www.pphp.org. If you plan to attend in person, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required and masks are strongly encouraged. We are excited to be gathering together again and look forward to seeing you soon.
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.
PPHP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Meera Shah:
Newsday: Hochul-NY Launching Campaign on Abortion Access, Reproductive Rights
Marie Claire: Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Women's Health: We Need To Change How We Talk About Abortion
ABC News: DOJ files for immediate injunction to halt enforcement of Texas abortion law
Essence: My Abortion Is Not A Sad Story
BNC: DOJ Sues Texas Over New Abortion Law
USA Today: Fact Check: STD Trichomoniasis Spread by Both Men and Women
Psych Central: Menstruation and Mental Health: A Q&A with Planned Parenthood
USA Today: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Signs Executive Order Restricting Abortion Access