Monday, December 15, 2014

Make a New Year's Resolution to stand with Planned Parenthood!

Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma cares. No matter what. It is a mantra we are fully dedicated to now, and in years to come. And we hope you’ll care too, by standing with us in the New Year.

It seems like a no-brainer to us that everyone deserves access to the healthcare and education it takes to responsibly manage one’s fertility regardless of income, race, sexual orientation, marital status, or residence. However, we know that in bright red Oklahoma our legislative body stands in the way of our mission far too often. As 2014 comes to an end, and we prepare for the new legislative session we here at Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma ask that you make a New Year’s Resolution to support us in the coming year.

There are several ways you can get involved, and show your support:

1. Contact your state congressmen. We know this may seem hopeless… But they need to hear the voices of pro-choice constituents. Your reason for supporting access to reproductive healthcare might just be the one that resonates with them. Find your legislators and their contact information here. 


2. Keep an eye out for our events! We post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram every time we host a pubic event. We have fun events like the Roe v. Wade anniversary party, and we have more serious events like Women’s Health Day at the capitol. You and all your friends are invited! 




3. Donate. Frankly, we couldn't do the work we do without funding from the community. Our medical services are significantly less expensive than at private practices, we offer free condoms to patients, and our education seminars reach to the far corners of the state. All those things cost us money so every little contribution helps. 


4. Come to one of our clinics for your next annual exam, or STI test. Since you have to get that annual exam anyway, you might as well utilize our medical services! It’s going to cost you less than a private doctor visit anyway. 



5. Talk to your friends and family about your pro-choice beliefs. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is stigma. Too many people misunderstand what we do at Planned Parenthood. The stigma will fade away if we can all open up and tell our personal stories. 



6. Help us prepare for direct lobbying this year by telling us your reasons for using contraceptives. We expect some Hobby Lobby style bills seeking to limit access to contraceptives, and we need your help explaining to congressmen that birth control is healthcare. So visit this page to tell us about your experience with birth control. 



 We are here for the community so we want to share the love with you all! Your support means so much to us. Have a happy holiday season, and a happy new year! 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Get Yourself Tested

April is 'Get Yourself Tested' month. The #GYT campaign was created by the National Centers for Disease Control, to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. 


Having regular STD tests is part of practicing safer sex. It is equally as important as consistently using birth control. Recent studies show that Chlamydia tops the list of most common STDs, but the tricky thing about Chlamydia is that most of the time it shows no symptoms at all while doing long term damage to reproductive organs. While STDs are a very real hazard, it's nothing to be ashamed of. So do the responsible thing and #GetYourselfTested!  

STD tests are not painful (the worst think you’ll be asked to do it pee in a cup), and at Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma they are not expensive either. Call and ask about the “Peace of Mind” package which tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, and Syphilis. Since females are anatomically more susceptible to transmission of STDs they are additionally tested for Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis, and Yeast.

 Know your status! #GYT