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Planned Parenthood of Memphis (PPM) is expected to continue providing family planning services to low-income patients under Title X on a month-by-month basis until the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) determines if it can take over the program or secure new providers. Last month, the state Legislature ended its session with a push to halt the flow of federal Title X funding to Planned Parenthood in Tennessee. The program provides birth control and health care services, including STD testing and treatment and cancer screenings.
For several years, Planned Parenthood has received more than half of Shelby County’s allocation under Title X, for about $748,000 this year. Shelby and Davidson have been the only counties in the state to share services with local Planned Parenthood agencies. On June 10, Davidson agreed to take over all its services and funding. SCHD Director Yvonne Madlock also agreed, but under two conditions: that the county not be held to a specific caseload of patients, and that the county be allowed to subcontract with providers if needed.
“We are not in the position of continuing [the full level of services now provided by Planned Parenthood] immediately,” said Harvey Kennedy, Shelby’s chief administrative officer. At the same time, it is important that the county serve the needs of low-income patients under Title X, said Kennedy.
Joan Carr, a PPM spokesperson, said the agency will continue to provide family planning services on a monthly basis and will bid on any subcontracts offered under a competitive process.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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