Men and women often obtain family planning services even when they do not receive any other health care. This makes these services even more important to an individuals overall health. Family planning providers are also responsible for screening and referral to other services needed to help men and women stay healthy, such as mammograms or referral for treatment of diseases like high blood pressure.
The New York State Department of Health funds 52 agencies in approximately 207 sites to provide accessible reproductive health care services to women and men. Programs provide services to men and women, especially low-income individuals and those without health insurance. These programs provide:
Contraceptive (birth control) education, counseling and methods to reduce unintended pregnancies and to improve birth spacing and outcomes; Counseling and testing for HIV; Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections; Routine screening for breast and cervical cancer; and, Health education in community settings to promote reproductive health, to prevent unintended pregnancy and to promote access to reproductive and preventive health services.
Currently over 330,000 women and men receive services through the family planning program; 100,000 of those receiving care are teenagers.
Contact the Family Health Services Coordinator at 648-6497 for further information