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Planned Parenthood of the Pacific
Southwest (PPPSW) recently provided a reproductive health class to Imperial
Valley, Calif., residents. The class prompted an El Centro mother to schedule a
human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination appointment for her teenage son, since
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Elizabeth
Valdez, the Planned Parenthood community outreach worker who conducted the
class at a bus stop, stated that the intent was to get residents to discuss
intimate matters. She emphasized, speaking in Spanish, “Especially in our
culture, we don’t talk about these topics.” The mother added that if others
spoke to her son, perhaps he would discuss these matters more openly.
Although PPPSW has 19 centers in San
Diego and Riverside counties, none exist in Imperial Valley; however, the
organization expects to open an office in the next six months. For the time
being, representatives continue with their collaborative work and grassroots
outreach efforts. In addition to bus patrons, PPPSW has held classes for soccer
moms, farmworkers, juvenile wards, and unemployed males. So far, Planned
Parenthood has reached an estimated 15,000 local residents through its
workshops, classes, and outreach efforts, noted Juanita Salas, PPPSW community
engagement manager in Imperial County.
The classes also emphasize
abstinence as being one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted
pregnancies and the transmission of STIs. The county reported a total of 28,580
new STI cases among 15- to 24-year-olds in 2005. In 2010, Imperial County
ranked fourth in the state for teenage births, Salas said. A 2012 report by the
state Public Health Institute estimated that the annual taxpayer cost
associated with teen pregnancy is approximately $8.4 million locally.
Currently, Planned Parenthood
partners with Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo to offer health services such as
breast exams, cancer screenings, STD testing, and birth control options. The
organization collaborates with the county probation department to work with
at-risk youth in juvenile hall. Nationwide, abortion services comprise just 5
percent of Planned Parenthood’s services, explained Jennifer Coburn, director
of communications and marketing for PPPSW. The organization also estimated that
one in five women will use Planned Parenthood services during the course of
their lifetime. “We’ve earned the public’s trust,” Coburn stated. However,
local resident Pablo Flores, a pro-life advocate, has expressed dissent over
Planned Parenthood’s abortion services.
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.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
