Health Care 

PPLM is committed to being there for every patient, no matter what. In 2019, PPLM’s busy health centers welcomed thousands of patients and responded to emerging health care needs by launching new services.

Closing Gaps and Reducing Risk

PPLM is addressing the rising HIV rates in communities that face barriers to care by expanding its HIV prevention services.  PPLM now offers PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), an antiretroviral medicine that reduces the risk of HIV infection after a one-time potential exposure. Thanks to PPLM, PEP is more readily accessible to people across the state in an inclusive, non-judgmental environment, which is particularly important because the medicine must be started within 72 hours of exposure. The addition of PEP complements PPLM’s offering of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a daily HIV prevention medication for people with a substantial risk of contracting HIV. PPLM has continuously improved access to its PrEP regimen and has begun offering it to patients under the age of 18 who have parental permission.     

Providing Inclusive, Affirming Care to All

PPLM’s introduction of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in its health centers has significantly improved access to nonjudgmental, inclusive care for the transgender community in Massachusetts.  GAHT, which includes the prescription of hormones and hormone blockers, helps affirm a patient’s gender identity and enhances their quality of life. PPLM’s GAHT care encompasses referrals, support, and regular follow-up. Offering GAHT allows PPLM to better meet the needs of transgender patients who already rely on its health centers for care and to ensure more people can access GAHT from highly trained, inclusive providers in their own communities. In recognition of this work, PPLM received the Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s 2019 Health Care Innovation Award. The national award cited PPLM’s “extraordinary commitment to delivering on the Planned Parenthood mission of ensuring access to equitable sexual and reproductive health care for all.”

Patient Experience

Across the state, PPLM patients continue to attest to the quality of the compassionate, nonjudgmental care they receive. As one patient said, “every single person I interacted with was kind, respectful, and knowledgeable. I didn't feel embarrassed or worried. I felt I could be honest and open with everyone!”