By Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
Our Stories The Annual Report
By Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
"Planned Parenthood allowed me to become what I am today. When I was powerless, they gave me the freedom "Five years ago I was attacked, beaten, and
raped. WhenWhen I had the strength my to choose. I had lost to allleave hope,
apartment, Parenthood was able to they gavePlanned me a reason to carry on. In help me get tested for STD’s and screened
essence, Planned Parenthood showed
to make sure the jerk didn’t do anything
me that I mattered when I could not
to me or give me anything. I owe Planned
believe that They me my Parenthood mymyself. life. Thank yougave so much.” Nicole F., Canton body back and in turn, my life."
- Marissa G.
CONTENTS ELLA RUTH 1 KEVIN 7 JENNY 11 Ameera 17 MARISSA 21
Warren 25 iris 31 ben & cara 39 hope & Stanley 45 why i give 49 Appendix 56
Introduction A WELCOME LETTER
Friends, We are pleased to share with you the Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) 2016 Annual
Report. As you read through the enclosed stories, know that none of our work would be possible without
you. We are able to provide affordable, high-quality health care and sex education because of your generosity. We are able to teach the next generation of leaders and support expectant mothers and their children because of your kindness. And we are able to envision a future where Ohioans can take control of their lives by making their own health care decisions. This is all because of you. As we continue to mark our Centennial, we look back at a year that has, at times, tested our fortitude. But we have only grown stronger because of it. We continually prove ourselves as fierce advocates for a woman’s right to access safe and legal abortion. We continue to implement innovative practices in our health centers; offering our patients the best care possible. And we look to the next 100 years, confident that with you standing by our side, we will continue to serve the people of Ohio with the dignity and respect they deserve. Every year we continue to advance our mission: We protect, promote, and provide empowered
health care for generations of women, men, and families across Ohio. We grow stronger because of the
generous gifts from donors like you. Thank you for your continued support.
Iris E. Harvey
President and CEO
Jennifer McNally
Chair, Board of Directors
ELLA ruth's story
“I was a teenage mother and so was my daughter.
Our Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies mothers
And I was disappointed. Disappointed with my
and their families live in high-risk communities
daughter for continuing this cycle and upset at
throughout Mahoning and Trumbull Counties.
myself for not teaching her any better. After my
Ella Ruth, and eight of her colleagues, ensure
grandson was born, I discovered that my calling
our mothers access the best prenatal and post
was to help pregnant teenagers and their family
pregnancy medical care while also providing
members - offering them the best support possible
systematic emotional support and connections to
as they welcome a new addition to their family.”
available community resources.
Ella Ruth is a trained and certified Community Care
“I make sure the families I work with have
Ohio’s Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program.
and the basics at home like safe shelter, healthy
She works out of our Youngstown Health Center
food, and working utilities. And, if one of my clients
and is intimately connected with the surrounding
is in a bad situation, I work a little harder to show
community; helping to lower the infant mortality
them another way.
Coordinator with Planned Parenthood of Greater
transportation to get to doctor’s appointments,
rates of our most vulnerable pregnant women.
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For 20 years, PPGOH has served families in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties where infant mortality rates are among Ohio's highest.
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Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies “I often encourage the mothers I work with to think about their goals and dreams and connect them with the resources to reach them. I have been in their shoes and offer what help I can. If they want to finish high school and go to college, I let them know I am here to support that dream. I am the support that shows up and they know Planned Parenthood will always be there. “These mothers welcome us into their homes and I always make sure I thank them for letting me come in. This is their space and they need to feel comfortable. I let them know their situation may be difficult at the moment, just as mine was, but I was able to break the cycle – I received the extensive training necessary for this job and my daughter is now married and a college graduate – and they can too. I have seen, over time, feelings of fear and desperation turn to those of hope and empowerment.” - Ella Ruth 5
This year Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies will serve over 150 women. PPGOH works with families through the first year of a newborn's life. 6 Annual Report
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kevin's story
In addition to the important work Planned
doctor’s office. People will think I’m sick. And I
Parenthood does within the walls of our health
don’t want my boyfriend to hear from folks that
centers, we also have a real impact working
I think I might have a disease. It’s just easier to
within our communities, engaging people that
find someone in the neighborhood that can
might never step foot in a center. In Cleveland,
help me quickly and give me a few condoms.”
Kevin came across our Healthmobile in
his neighborhood. After talking with a staff member, he received a free rapid HIV test.
Kevin, a young black man who identifies
When we partner with community leaders, including the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland, we enhance our power to help all
as gay, is a member of one of Ohio’s most
Ohioans. Not only does this increase health
vulnerable communities at risk for HIV
access but also brings health care to women,
transmission. “I never really think about
men, and young people who do not receive
getting tested. I mean, I know it’s important,
routine medical services and who would not
but I’m not going to actually walk into a
proactively search out an HIV or STI test.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
In conjunction with the City of Cleveland Department of Public Health, Planned Parenthood provides 1,500 free rapid HIV tests in Cuyahoga County every year.
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HEALTHMOBILE COMMUNITY OUTREACH When we are able to provide people their status, we are giving them the power to take control of their bodies, and through counseling and medical referrals, giving them the power to heal themselves. “I was relieved to learn I was HIV negative. Next time I see these folks in the neighborhood, I’m going to bring my boyfriend to get tested too, so we’ll both know our status.” - Kevin Empowering individuals with the knowledge of their HIV status strengthens every community member’s well-being.
Planned Parenthood performed over 12,000 HIV tests last year.
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Jenny's story
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"I recently attended a meeting facilitated by
desperately needed. The counseling the doctor
Planned Parenthood’s Powerful Stories Project.
offered me was compassionate and empowered
When I was 19, I had an abortion, and I want to
help women process their feelings about their own abortions and let them know there is no shame in it.
me to make the decision that was best for me. "Too often society looks down on women who have abortions, viewing us in a negative way.
"When I found out I was pregnant, I was just starting
At this meeting, I let these women know that until
college and felt I couldn't handle becoming a
someone has walked in your shoes, they have
mother at the time. As I think back on my decision,
no right to judge your situation. This is a deeply
I realize it was the best resolution for me. Planned
personal decision, and I don’t believe any woman
Parenthood helped confirm my pregnancy, and
should feel shame.
provided me with the information on options I so
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NO SHAME in my ABORTION "Instead of putting people in one category or another, we should respect the real life decisions women and their families face every day. It is important abortion remain a safe and legal medical procedure for a woman to consider, if and when she needs it. I know that I will look back and always be proud of myself for being brave. I’m not ashamed. I know that the decision I made was the right one for me." – Jenny
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THE POWERFUL STORIES PROJECT Planned Parenthood’s Powerful Stories Project
At Planned Parenthood, we provide many health
works to address abortion stigma and provide
services to women, including abortion care. And
a medium to elevate women’s voices to share their
we will work tirelessly to prevent stigma from being
stories. Supported by a generous donor, we have
perpetuated against women accessing safe and legal
worked to increase knowledge about reproductive
care. Ultimately, decisions about whether to choose
freedom, while enhancing leadership skills for
adoption, end a pregnancy, or raise a child must be
women to raise their voices for abortion rights.
left to a woman, her family, and her faith, with the counsel of her doctor or health care provider.
At least half of all American women will face an unintended pregnancy by age 45.
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Ameera's story
Many PPGOH health centers are located in communities with larger than average immigrant and second generation populations.
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“My family recently settled in the United States and chose to live in Columbus. It’s been a difficult transition as we learn to access all the services that will help us become leaders in our community. I’m so thankful I was able to find Planned Parenthood. They have helped my whole family remain safe and healthy during our transition. "I am personally grateful as I am able to get the birth control
I need so I can finish my schooling and take full advantage of the
new opportunities available to me. I was able to talk with a very
kind nurse who told me about all my options. We are blessed to live in a country where women’s health care is taken seriously by many people. I hope the law of the land continues to allow women the right to make our own health care decisions.” - Ameera
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AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO BIRTH CONTROL Ameera was told about a wide-range of birth control
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio offers a
options available to her. In the end, in consultation
wide variety of affordable alternatives that meet
with her doctor, she chose a LARC – Long-Acting
our patients’ personal needs. For example, with
lifestyle. According to the American Congress of
Foundation, we are able to provide more
Reversible Contraception – as the right fit for her
the generous support of the Akron Community
Obstetricians and Gynecologists, LARCs are the
low-income women in Summit County access
most effective forms of reversible birth control and
to affordable LARCs. Our doors remain open
can be removed at any time when a woman is ready
to everyone because we believe health care is a
to get pregnant.
fundamental right.
Over 20,000 patients receive birth control from PPGOH annually.
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Marissa's story
The impact of our education and outreach programs helps more than 43,000 individuals annually. 22
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
“Some people have it hard at home and feel as if they don’t have anyone to talk to – but they can always come to one of us.” Located in Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo, Planned Parenthood’s Peer Education Program educates and empowers young people to take control of their future. Our Peer Education Program educates teenagers on a fact-based, medically accurate sex education curriculum and gives them the tools and encouragement to share this knowledge with their peers and community. Peer education is a key component to lowering teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection rates in our communities. The
more accurate the information we can provide, the better equipped teenagers will be to keep themselves safe, and the lower these rates will be. ”My friends are often embarrassed to ask questions or ashamed of how they feel and make bad decisions because they don’t know any better. I don’t pass judgment. I offer my peers a safe space to ask questions and I encourage them to make smart decisions.”
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PEER EDUCATION Program “I joined this group because I wanted to educate myself. I’m not here because I want to have sex, but because I want to know what to expect and how to protect myself when I decide I'm ready. My goal through this program is to get to know people, help them, and understand more about myself. I learned a lot about sex education but I also became more confident, learned how to speak in front of a group, and now know that I can be the kind of person my peers look up to.” - Marissa Our Peer Education Program is made possible through the generous financial support of our donors including the Safer Choices Program, administered by The Columbus
Foundation, The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, the Treu-Mart Fund in Cleveland,
and dedicated individuals. Through this generosity, we are able to give Peer Educators the extensive training necessary in health, sexuality, and advocacy; all helping to inform our next generation of leaders as they reach their peers.
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WARREN's story
In Trumbull County, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is the sole provider of free reproductive health care to residents who would not otherwise have access. No one is ever denied services at Planned Parenthood because of their inability to pay. Thanks to the generosity, determination, and hard work of countless individuals and foundations, including The Raymond John Wean Foundation and the Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation,
PPGOH opened the new Warren Health Center in the fall of 2016. We are now able to provide
easier access to health care for low-income, medically underserved women and their families. The new center is co-located with the YWCA Warren in its 1928 landmark facility. As Planned Parenthood celebrates our Centennial, we seek to empower women and their families throughout Ohio. Our Warren Health Center, integrated with additional on-site support resources, helps some our most vulnerable community members, providing access to the specialized health care, education, and agency referrals they need to enable them to live healthy, stable lives. The new Warren Health Center is conveniently located in the downtown district making it easy for members of the community to access the health services they need and deserve.
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ppgoh's NEW Collaboration Kenya A. Roberts-Howard, Executive Director of YWCA Warren, believes "it is a critical concern that women who are uninsured or under-insured
The collaboration between PPGOH and the
YWCA Warren allows our two organizations to
combine resources that can effectively target the
receive access to affordable, quality women’s
specific needs of domestic violence survivors,
health care like breast cancer screenings and
people with disabilities, and women facing
annual exams. Our initiative is an attempt to fill the
institutional discrimination. Together we are giving
gap between women who have ready access and
women a second chance, and with healthy bodies
those who don’t. We know that an investment in
and bountiful minds, they are given the power,
women and girls is a wise one, because they turn
independent and strong, to write the next chapter
around and invest in their families and communities.
in their journey.
Hence, access to affordable, quality health care is the most important public health policy facing women today.”
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"We know that an investment in women and girls is a wise one, because they turn around and invest in their families and communities." - Kenya A. Roberts-Howard
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IRIS' story
"Every day, it is a true honor to experience the
"Community donors have raised vital funds to
work of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.
support our health centers. The Art of Prevention
I have been fortunate enough to see it firsthand as a member of the Board of Directors and am now honored to be the President and CEO of our
event, Condom Couture, the Athens Jazz and Champagne Affaire, and Writing our Future
with Anna Quindlen are examples of how our
historic organization. I am overwhelmed by the
community leaders, donors, supporters, and
support for Planned Parenthood from generous
patients routinely give to Planned Parenthood with
donors across our state.
their heart, fully invested in the valuable services we provide." - Iris
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Condom Couture participants helped raise funds for Planned Parenthood while awarding scholarships to young designers. 33
Athens Jazz and Champagne Affaire
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planned parenthood COMMUNITY events Michelle Oestrike is thrilled to be involved with PPGOH's annual event in Athens. “I wanted to do more to support the efforts of Planned Parenthood because of the care I'd received. Hosting our yearly champagne fundraising event in Athens has been a wonderful experience. We may not have the same
capacity as other cities around the state, but our supporters are so dedicated and compassionate and are invaluable to the Athens Health Center.” These events bring together people of all ages for fun and giving. Whether we’re presenting awards to artists for their work, providing scholarships to talented designers, or supporting a specific health center and the valuable services it provides, these events have a far-reaching impact on the local communities Planned Parenthood serves. Lauren R. Strauss, organizer for Art of Prevention says, “I’m happy to
volunteer and partner with PPGOH because I understand as funding increases so does the number served in my community. The mission of Planned Parenthood and the dedicated staff make serving a truly rewarding experience.”
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EVERY gift matters "Whether your generous contribution is given to us directly or through an event you have attended, every donation makes a difference. Your support is vital to offering our patients the health care they need and deserve. It also shows your willingness to come together, with like-minded individuals, and stand with Planned Parenthood. United, our voices cannot be silenced, and we will continue to care for the people of Ohio. Your unwavering support of our patients is an inspiration, and I am filled with gratitude" - Iris
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Planned Parenthood is currently commemorating our 100th anniversary.
Image by The Clinic Vest Project
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BEN & CARA's story
“I live by a health center and see protesters
car drives into the parking lot and I am graced
standing outside every day. I became a greeter
with the responsibility to see patients to the
because I needed to help those women
safe and hospitable entrance of the facility - in
coming into the center and protect them from
the presence of very vocal protesters.
the hateful language and distress in front of them.” Ben is a volunteer with our Patient
Greeter Program, the first point of compassion
for a patient visiting one of our centers.
Our greeters serve as a constant reminder, as they stand outside our health centers waiting for patients, of the harassment and intimidation women in Ohio still face when exercising their right to access health care. “I have heard so many stories of women who
“It is a goal for me to try and make the patient relax - feel safe - know they’re not alone as they go past the gauntlet outside.” - Ben Our greeters walk towards the maddening crowd, all the while offering a kind word and a smile, absorbing all the intimidation and vitriol of the protesters. Greeters also protect our center staff, providing a physical barrier and emotional support, standing by them and the work they do every day.
have used their services - women of all ages. .This is something I carry with me each time a
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
"I find it a great inspiration to walk into the health center and see and hear the staff's commitment to their patients." - Ben
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paTIENT greeter Program Cara, who works in one of our centers, knows firsthand how important our patient greeters are to Planned Parenthood. “It takes a special person to join this program. These volunteers are one of the first signs of safety and security for our patients. As a clinician, we give the best care possible to our patients once they walk through
the doors, but it can be a frightening journey to get there. I show up every day because I have patients that rely on me and I am able to see firsthand the powerful impact of the work we do. Our health centers save lives, helping our patients live with confidence and security.� - Cara There are numerous ways individuals can give to Planned Parenthood. Many make financial contributions to our programs. Others give of their time, sharing their stories and standing with our patients as they access the care they need. When we are visible, openly standing with Planned Parenthood for all our community to see, we are declaring, unequivocally, our support for the women, men, and young people of Ohio and their right to access high-quality health care.
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hope & stanley's story
Certain moments have the power to change the
Stanley’s support of Planned Parenthood was
trajectory of our lives forever. For Hope Adelstein,
rooted in patient rights. He saw health care as a
this moment came after a friend tragically died
basic human right that should be available to all.
from performing an abortion on herself. Hope, who was serving as a nurse in World War II at the time, pledged to support reproductive health care
programs that would help other women avoid the same terrible fate as her friend.
During their life together, Hope and Stanley touched the lives of many in their community. A close friend recalls, “They were devoted to one another. One cannot speak of just Hope or Stanley without including the other. Hope was an extraordinarily
After the war, Hope married Stanley. Over the next
kind and brilliant lady, complemented by her strong
58 years, the Adelsteins actively supported Planned
and compassionate Stanley.�
Parenthood and numerous other social justice and environmental organizations in the Cleveland area.
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Image by The Cleveland Foundation
THEIR BEQUEST A LEGACY LIVES ON Upon their death, the Adelsteins provided a gift to Planned Parenthood that established a secure and steady source of funding. Hope and Stanley were committed to reproductive rights and
affordable, high-quality health care and education. Their legacy, their promise, continues to bloom in a garden they will never see grow. Because they included Planned Parenthood in their estate plans, they have planted the seeds of support for future generations.
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WHY I GIVE
six nations
do not allow abortion under any circumstances.
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"I’m originally from the Dominican Republic where abortion is illegal. When I think about why I support Planned Parenthood, I am always reminded of the story of a 16 year-old Dominican girl who was pregnant and had leukemia. Because she was pregnant, the cancer fighting drugs would have harmed the fetus so she was not allowed to continue with treatment or get an abortion. And the plight of this poor girl informs my support as she died before giving birth. Planned Parenthood means a lot to me. I don’t want that to be our reality. My responsibility is to ensure women have access to all the resources available to them, without judgment." - Sandra López
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"As a young person in my early twenties, I lacked health insurance. When I needed a well-woman exam, I turned to Planned Parenthood because it was inexpensive and had a good reputation. During my exam, the nurse practitioner discovered a lump on my thyroid and recommended that I see a specialist. I am extremely grateful for the thorough and professional exam as what she felt turned out to be cancer. Shortly after, the cancer was removed and today I am in remission. Planned Parenthood saved my life. I support the important work they do - helping women receive excellent care regardless of their ability to pay." - Leah Westwater
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Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio performs over
10,000
cancer screenings each year.
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Patient giving participation
achieved 125% of our goal.
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"As a Health Care Assistant at the Kent Health Center, I ask every patient if they are willing to donate to our center. I’m so proud that we average over 41% patient participation, even with many of our patients living at or below the poverty line. By donating just one or two dollars, our patients are empowered. They see that they too can make a difference in the lives of those in their community. I could not be more honored by this selfless generosity and the spirit of paying it forward." - Kayle K.
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Appendix The Board
Jennifer McNally Chair
Paul Giorgianni, J.D. Vice Chair
Kate Asbeck Treasurer
Alexa Sweeney Blackann Secretary
Iris E. Harvey
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Sandra Anderson Edgar Avila Liz Maule Gleason Mary Jo Green Adarsh Krishen, M.D. Sandra Lรณpez Kimberly Moses Rebecca Nelson Lauren Norelli Jonathan Petuchowski William G. Porter, J.D. Susan G. Quinn, O.D.
Immediate Past Chair
Jan Roller, J.D.
Catherine "Katie" Chatas
Luther Stevens
Chair Emeritas
Joseph Ruby Susan Wilkof
61,602
total number of patients at PPGOH
77%
86% 14%
of our patients are between 18 and 34 years old
*patient confirmed gender identity
46%
of our patients live below the poverty line
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40%
of our patients use Medicaid
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Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio Health Centers
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1
Akron Health Center
2
Athens Health Center
3
Bedford Heights Health Center
4
Bedford Heights Surgical Center
5
Canton Health Center
6
Cleveland Health Center
7
Delaware Health Center
8
East Columbus Surgical Center
9
Franklinton Health Center
10
Kent Health Center
11
Lorain Health Center
12
Mansfield Health Center
13
Medina Health Center
14
North Columbus Health Center
15
Old Brooklyn Health Center
16
Rocky River Health Center
17
Toledo Health Center
18
Warren Health Center
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Wooster Health Center
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Youngstown Health Center
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio
Toledo
Cleveland
Youngstown
Our Health Centers
Mansfield
Canton
Columbus
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share your story
Each of us has a compelling story to tell that has the ability to inspire others to action. Stories can be a powerful tool for communicating ideas, connecting individuals, and stitching together our shared humanity. Conversations around sex, sexuality, reproductive health issues, abortion, and Planned Parenthood aren’t always easy, but
when we share our personal experiences, we are confirming how valuable Planned Parenthood is to our Ohio communities.
Interested in sharing your story? www.bit.ly/ppgohstoryform
For more information about ways to give:
Please contact Susan Melnyk, Vice President of Development p: 614-224-2235 Ext. 3014 ¡ e: Susan.Melnyk@ppoh.org Thank you for standing with Planned Parenthood.