Family Planning Council Receives Grant

from the inbox:

The Department of Health and Human Services announced earlier today that Family Planning Council will receive a three-year $15.7 million Title X Family Planning grant to continue providing reproductive health services throughout the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania service area. 

With this funding, Family Planning Council’s network of 64 health centers will continue to provide accessible, confidential sexual and reproductive health services.  These life-saving and life-changing services include: affordable FDA-approved birth control, pregnancy planning, breast and cervical cancer screening, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV testing, and referrals for other services like prenatal care and primary care.

“We are honored to be able to continue supporting our network of high-quality family planning care providers while introducing new and innovative ways to reach people who need our services the most,” said Melissa Weiler Gerber, executive director of Family Planning Council. “The Affordable Care Act is a game changer.  At Family Planning Council, we are excited by the many opportunities it presents, and are poised to embrace this moment and increase our impact in communities.” 

Family Planning Council supports provider agencies throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.  Its network includes the area's major teaching hospitals, Planned Parenthood affiliates, federally funded community health centers, and the Philadelphia Department of Health. 

“For over 40 years, the strength of our family planning program has been the skill, expertise, and unwavering commitment of our staff and provider network,” said Weiler Gerber.  “We always remain focused on the health and dignity of the women, men and teens who rely on our services.”

The grant, about $5.23 million annually, affords Family Planning Council the opportunity to expand collaborations and community-based services emphasizing teen outreach, health literacy, and improved health outcomes throughout the five-county region.  These partnerships will increase Family Planning Council’s capacity to work in high-need communities where sexual and reproductive health disparities persist. 

“Family Planning Council has always been creative and innovative in its ability to bring resources to the community,” said Donna Torrisi, executive director of Family Practice and Counseling Network, which has a long-standing partnership with Family Planning Council.  “We are excited to be one of many local health care providers to continue this collaboration and ensure that everyone can access the confidential, high-quality reproductive health care they need and deserve.”