Words by Smiley Team
In the pandemic, health and wellbeing is on everyone’s mind. One area that is often overlooked in discussions around healthcare access during the pandemic is sexual and reproductive health and consequently, many are left at risk, anxious and unsure as to what to do when faced with a healthcare issue.
Planned Parenthood, the leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable healthcare for young people and the largest provider of sex education - has expanded its Telehealth service to ensure no person goes without the support they need during this time.
Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood said: "Sexual health needs don’t go away, even when our country is in crisis. Planned Parenthood is proud to redouble our efforts to make sure people can still access the care and information they need".
By the end of April, in all 50 states, people will be able to access healthcare by phone or video, ensuring people can get the support and information they need without delay and oftentimes without needing to go to a health centre at all, reducing the likelihood of infection.
Planned Parenthood have also developed new digital resources which provide medically accurate answers to the questions facing people right now as it pertains to sexual and reproductive wellbeing - such as what to do if birth control is about to expire or if it is stil possible to acces an abortion during the pandemic.
Additionally, Planned Parenthood has added new information to Roo, its sexual health chatbot and to it’s chat/text programme so that people can still get the information they need about maintaining good health during the pandemic.
‘We know this pandemic has increased barriers to health care for many of the communities we serve — at exactly the time when people need that care the most. Through Telehealth, Planned Parenthood is providing the high-quality care and information people need to stay safe and healthy, even as our everyday reality is rapidly changing.’
Dr Raegan Mcdonald Mosey, Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood notes: ‘Planned Parenthood providers are proud to offer Telehealth services so that we can continue to provide health care to the patients who rely on us the most — including people of color, people with low-incomes, LGBTQ people, and immigrant communities’
To ensure that they can continue their work, Planned Parenthood needs donations which can be made through their website. You can also access up-to-date information on Telehealth services available at your local Planned Parenthood health centre and to make an appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org/telehealth.
By Ellen Jones
