During COVID-19 Pandemic, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England's Doors Stay Open, Telehealth Launched to Expand Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care
Contact: [email protected]
For Immediate Release: March 27, 2020
Telehealth visits help keep people healthy and limit the spread of the coronavirus
(New Haven, CT) – In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) launched telehealth visits for select services to continue its commitment to breaking down barriers, reaching people wherever they are, and increasing access to care in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Telehealth visits keep essential sexual and reproductive health care accessible and help limit the community spread of COVID-19 in this time of social distancing. Since this service launched this week, PPSNE has already conducted over 40 telehealth visits.
Services currently available through telehealth include:
- Hormonal birth control options, including the pill, patch, ring, and emergency contraception
- Injectable Depo-Provera contraception with instructions for self-injection
- Primary care for existing patients
- Behavioral health screening and treatment of anxiety and depression
- Diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bacterial vaginosis
- Diagnosis and treatment for sore throat and upper respiratory infections
- Medication abortion follow-up visits
- Gender-affirming hormone therapy
- Pre-exposure (PrEP) and post exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) to prevent HIV infection (may require additional lab testing)
- Prescription refills for current patients with chronic conditions
Anyone in need of health care can call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to learn more about telehealth services and to schedule an appointment. A list of current services, both in-person and through telehealth, is available at ppsne.org.
“Planned Parenthood of Southern New England is proud to offer telehealth services to our patients as we work to ensure that everyone can continue to access the care they need—no matter what,” said Amanda Skinner, President and CEO of PPSNE. “This innovation connects our patients to the same health care providers they already know and trust at our health centers to diagnose acute conditions and provide services that will keep people healthy during this pandemic. Whether we’re delivering care in-person, online, or by phone, we’re here for our patients.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic every health care provider has a role to play, and PPSNE continues to work alongside other public health providers, hospitals, and organizations to serve communities in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Telehealth visits connect patients to the care they need while conserving community health resources. “Telehealth visits allow people to stay safe and stay home—keeping people out of hospitals and urgent care centers while limiting potential exposures to the novel coronavirus and slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” stated Skinner.
In addition to telehealth services, the Planned Parenthood Direct app (PP Direct) allows patients in Connecticut and Rhode Island to use their smartphone to access birth control and treatment for UTIs. Patients can also text “PPNOW” to PPINFO (774636) or use the chat function at ppsne.org to get answers about pregnancy, birth control, emergency contraception, abortion, and STD treatment. These digital solutions help make health care more accessible and advance the PPSNE mission to provide the information and services people need to manage their sexual and reproductive health.
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England is committed to using technology to find new ways to help people take charge of their health and well-being. “We have been here for over 100 years and know how to deliver care in challenging times,” said Skinner. “Our doors will stay open. We are here with patients, our communities, and we will get through this together.”