Planned Parenthood Launches Good Chemistry Series

Saturday, April 18, 9:00am – 12:30pm

Mercury is an extremely dangerous neurotoxin with severe ramifications.  Once airborne, it contaminates lakes, rivers, other bodies of water and poses multiple risks to humans.  The effects of mercury poisoning include impaired memory, delayed development, reflex abnormalities, lung, kidney, liver damage and cerebral palsy.  These risks are especially great for developing fetuses and nursing infants.  Additionally, some plastic Nalgene water bottles are made with the compound Bisphenol A, or BPA, and this chemical is widely known to disrupt the hormonal system.  Why take the risk?  You can eliminate these threats from your home by exchanging your mercury thermometer and plastic Nalgene bottles at the Portland Health Center.  A FREE replacement thermometer by Apothecary by Design will be given out along with a coupon to attend Planned Parenthood’s Recycling the 80’s Dance Party on May 7. 

Planned Parenthood of Portland, 970 Forest Ave. 797-8881.

Good Chemistry:  Good, Safe Sex.

Thursday, April 23, 1:00pm – 5:00pm

FREE STI Screenings at PLANit Health Services, Southern Maine Community College

The majority of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs (also known as STDs), do not show immediate symptoms or signs of infection.  Planned Parenthood is proud to be partnering with MTV, the Kaiser Family Foundation and other nationwide partners to launch a major public awareness campaign throughout the month of April (National STI Awareness Month).  The campaign, GYT '09 (Get Yourself Tested), is designed to generate a buzz about STIs, promote routine testing and treatment, and encourage young people to comfortably talk about sexual health issues with their peers and parents.

As part of the Get Yourself Tested in 2009 (GYT09) campaign, Planned Parenthood of Portland is teaming up with Southern Maine Community College to provide access to confidential testing and information about STI prevention.  While you’re there, pick up the über-hip PROPER ATTIRE condoms and other good stuff.  Educate your mind, empower your body.

SMCC’s New Residence Hall, 1^st Floor

Good Chemistry:  Green-Up Day.

Volunteer Green-Up Day at Planned Parenthood

Saturday, May 2, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Foster the stewardship of Portland’s scenery, beginning with YOUR community health center.  Starting with the exterior of the health center, you are invited to plant bulbs, trim greenery and improve the overall landscape while you enjoy FREE pizza and a Chicobag™.  Green Up Day at Planned Parenthood is for people of all ages and from all walks of life joining together to take care of one of Portland’s most vital resources. 

Planned Parenthood of Portland, 970 Forest Ave. 797-8881

Good Chemistry:  Good, Green Dance Party.

David Wagner Award Reception & Recycling the 80’s Dance Party

Thursday, May 7

6:30pm – 8:00pm, David Wagner Award Reception for Lauren Grousd

8:00pm – Midnight, Recycling the 80’s Dance Party

Join us at Portland hotspot Bubba’s Sulky Lounge for a celebration of friends and a Greener Portland!  Honoring the 2009 David Wagner Young Leader Award Recipient, Lauren Grousd, we invite you to thank her for her innovative work in Southern Maine.  Speakers include President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Northern New England, Nancy Mosher.  As coordinator of Portland’s Real Life, Real Talk program, Lauren has been instrumental in making this extraordinary community-based effort a success.    

The Recycling the 80’s Dance Party begins at 8:00pm and benefits the programs and services of PPNNE’s Portland health center.  A brilliant soiree with specialty drinks (Safe Sex on the Beach, anyone?), live music and silver platters of ecologically-friendly accessories served by Portland’s favorite drag queen Bunny Wonderland (not to mention the Swag Bags), come fluff your mullet, pick your perm, dust off your leisure suits, your skinny ties and sport your shoulder pads as we kick up our platforms to the dulcet sounds of Boy George, Flock of Seagulls, Milli Vanilli and all your favorite 80’s tunes.  A contest for best costume rounds out the evening.

Bubba’s Sulky Lounge, 92 Portland St.  828-0549

Tickets are $10 at the door; $7 when you bring a plastic Nalgene bottle to recycle.

800-287-8188 or visit www.ppnne.org.

Good Chemistry:  Good Partner. Strong Community.

As spring approaches, choose to celebrate our community by honoring your health, the health of your loved ones and the health of our planet.  Resolve to take care of yourself and visit our health center.  Be inspired and learn more about what it takes to lessen your environmental footprint.  Call your legislators and tell them that PPNNE makes the Portland community stronger through environmentally safe, affordable access to family planning and sexual education.  Join us as we mobilize to support a society of safe and confident adolescents, men, women and parents.