The Baldwin Park Community Shows Strong Support for the New Planned Parenthood Health Care Center 

New Health Center Already Seeing 33% Higher Patient Volume than Expected

Baldwin Park, Calif. – With less than two weeks since officially openings its doors, the Planned Parenthood Baldwin Park Health Care Center has provided reproductive and sexual health services to more than 100 patients from the community, operating at approximately a 33% higher volume than anticipated. Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV) expects to see 5,000 patients at the Baldwin Park health care center in its first year of operation.

The Baldwin Park health care center is providing critical, needed services to a historically underserved community in greater Los Angeles region. It's the community's first and only abortion provider, as well as the region's sole provider of transgender care services. Additional services include the provision of birth control, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and treatments, cervical cancer screenings, and PEP/PrEP HIV-prevention medications. Appointments can be made online at pppsgv.org or by calling 626.798.7266.

"Opening a Planned Parenthood health center in Baldwin Park is a big moment for us because our research showed us that there was a need, and that was proven on the day we opened our doors," said Sheri Bonner, President & CEO of PPPSGV. "We saw an influx of patients coming into our health center for sexual and reproductive health services. It's been so rewarding to be able to provide these key health services to the Baldwin Park community and see the positive impact we've had and will continue to have."

A community partner soft opening event was held on Jan. 22, the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade – the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring access to abortion a constitutional right. At a time when this right is at risk, Planned Parenthood in California is expanding, not banning, access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion. State investment in sexual and reproductive health care services has doubled in the past two years. This has allowed Planned Parenthood across the state to serve more patients, expand services and hours of operation, and to enable the establishment of new health care centers, like the one in Baldwin Park.

The architecturally striking facility was constructed to reflect the needs and preferences of patients from the local community and with full support from the community at large and community leaders. According to an independent poll, 77% of Baldwin Park voters said they support having a Planned Parenthood in their neighborhood.

In response to the new health center opening, Baldwin Park community leaders have been receptive:

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, stated: "I am tremendously excited about the opening of a PPPSGV Health Center in Baldwin Park. PPPSGV's services and commitment to the community aligns with the LA County Department of Public Health's mission to advance the conditions that support optimal health and well-being for all. We are excited to continue to strengthen our partnership with PPPSGV and promote their comprehensive and integrated services which give women, youth, and families access to the resources and services needed to thrive."  

Debra Ward, CEO of the YWCA of San Gabriel Valley, stated: "As a social change organization, the YWCA has been serving the people of San Gabriel Valley for more than 85 years, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that there's a need for a full range of sexual and reproductive health services. The YWCA-SGV offers critical social and human services to the underserved, including shelter for those impacted by intimate partner violence. Through our lens we have seen a growing demand for physical and mental health services. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome a Planned Parenthood health center to Baldwin Park and excited about the quality and affordable health care services that will be offered to our community."

Aaron Saenz, Board President of the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center, stated: "The San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center is excited for the Grand Opening of the Baldwin Park PPPSGV Health Center because it will provide LGBTQ culturally competent care, including TransCare and access to PrEP and PEP (meds that can prevent HIV infection) to the Central San Gabriel Valley. The Health Center's community space would also provide a safe space in a centralized location for our Peer Support Groups to meet. Congratulations PPPSGV on expanding its great work in reaching more of our beautifully diverse San Gabriel Valley!"