Get Involved

We are looking for volunteers to help with:
• Making copies
• Stocking rooms, checking inventory
• Filling condom bags
• Gardening during the spring, summer and autumn months
• Snow removal in winter
• Advocacy

Instant Advocacy
You can send a letter in support of Title X from NFPRHA's website to all elected officials and find out other ways to support Family Planning agencies in your community.

Reproductive Issues and You

There are several ways to show your support for reproductive health services in your community. One way to have your voice heard is to register to vote. Family Planning in Wenatchee has voter registration forms, and we will even mail your completed form for you! We'll also give you free condoms.

Other Ways to Get Involved: It is important for teens, as well as parents, to have their opinions heard.


• Tell your story


• Contact your elected officials to express your opinion on legislative issues
• Educate the public!
Write letters in support of comprehensive sexuality education in schools and other reproductive health issues to the Safety Valve of The Wenatchee World and other local newspaper(s).
• Write editorials or submit letters of opinion to your school's student newspaper(s) such as Wenatchee High School's Apple Leaf
• Attend school board meetings.


• Serve on the school board
• Become an elected official
• Make a donation to Family Planning
• Help build support and ensure that young people in our area get high quality sexuality education with the help of SIECUS' Community Action Kit
  
  Other Links

  Abortion Conversation Project is committed to eliminating the stigma of abortion by creating new ways and opportunities to talk about abortion honestly and publicly.

  American Civil Liberties Union
  The ACLU works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to EVERY person in the United States, on a wide range of issues including free speech, privacy, student rights, religious liberty, lesbian/gay, and reproductive rights.

  Catholics for a Free Choice
  CFFC's commitment to reproductive rights and health is rooted in a commitment to the dignity and rights of women. This web site also provides access to news, press releases, polls and an action center. Se habla Espanol

  Cover My Pills
  Currently, many private health insurance plans in the U.S. do not cover contraceptives although contraception is a basic health need for women. This web site offers information regarding what you can do to help provide fair access to contraception.

  Plain Truth For Washington Youth
  A coalition of organizations, parents, and concerned community members that educate decision-makers to support comprehensive sexual health education in Washington State.

  Go Vote, Run, Lead, Go Girl
  Engages young women in the political process as voters, as activists, and as candidates for political office.

  Rock the Vote
  Register to vote on both web sites, get informed and find out how you can make your voice heard and take action.

  Voices of Choice
  This website, by Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, documents the experiences of physicians who provided abortions before Roe vs. Wade.

  Vox: Young People Speaking Out
  Vox is the Latin word for "voice." Vox aims to educate and inspire a new generation of young adults to advocate for reproductive freedom.

News

Kaisernetwork
The Kaiser Family Foundation established kaisernetwork.org in November 2000. Their mission is to provide timely, reliable, and non-partisan information on national health issues to policymakers, the media, and the general public.

SIECUS
The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States-has served as the national voice for sexuality education, sexual health, and sexual rights for almost 40 years. SIECUS believes that sexuality is a natural and healthy part of life and that all people have the right to the information, skills, and services they need to make responsible sexual decisions.

Women's eNews
This website covers issues of particular concern to women and provides women's perspectives on public policy.

FPCD Demographics

Our money comes from:
• Patient Fees/Insurance/State Medical Benefit
• Government funding: State/Federal
• Fund-raising/Donations
• United Way/Foundation Grants/Other
Our money goes to:
• Client/Community Services 87%
• Management/General 13%
Client Profiles: The people who come to FPCD are
• Non-hispanic - 65%
• Hispanic - 35%


• 17 & under - 14%
• 18-19 - 16%
• 20-29 - 47%
• 30+ - 23%

Statistics for Chelan-Douglas Counties

STD Prevalence
Reported cases of Chlamydia (CT) in 2004 increased by 23%, and Gonorrhea by 33% in Douglas County compared to 2003. In 2004, initial infection herpes in Chelan County had a 42% increase compared to 2003. The incidence of HPV is also on the rise. The number of FPCD patients needing colposcopies has increased dramatically in the last 3 years, particularly among adolescents. Over one-third of the women needing colposcopies and/or cryocautery in 2004 were between the ages of 16 and 22.

Teen Pregnancy
Teen pregnancy has long been a problem in Chelan and Douglas Counties. In 1992 Chelan County ranked 3rd in Washington State with 95.8 pregnancies per 1000 women between ages 15 to 17. In 1998 the FDA approved the use of birth control pills for Emergency Contraception (Plan B). The pregnancy rates steadily dropped placing Chelan County at 26th place in 1999 with 33 pregnancies per 1000 women between ages 15 to 17. Douglas County was 30th with 29.9 pregnancies per 1000 girls.

Unfortunately, 5 of the 11 school districts we serve have since adopted an abstinence-only curriculum. Teen pregnancy rates in Chelan County have consistently ranked higher (per 1,000 women) than the State average. Nearly half of all pregnancies in Chelan and Douglas Counties are unintended. An unintended pregnancy is one of the most cited reasons adolescent girls give for dropping out of school.

For more information:

• What's Up?:Information for Adults Who Care About Teens.
• Washington State Dept. of Health
• Centers for Disease Control

Meet Some of Our Staff

All of us wear more than one hat. We have the only ARNP in the area that maintains the sprinkler system between appointments. Most of us are mothers; one of us is a new dad; a few of us are grandmothers, and one of us is a great-grandmother. Frequently there are many cooks in the kitchen...literally. We laugh often and celebrate our diversity. We work very hard to take good care of our patients, and in doing so, our community. So come in, and get to know the people that personify your Family Planning clinic.

*Bilingual

• EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


Carol
All of us are inspired by the dedication, wisdom, and heart that sum up Carol's commitment to Family Planning.









• PROVIDERS

We have two providers who offer traditional reproductive health services as well as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM, ARNP) that provides prenatal/delivery services.

Eileen, ARNP has been providing quality reproductive health services to our clients for over 25 years. Her integrity, compassion and humor inspires all of us to give our best to the community.








• Prenatal


Stacy, CNM, ARNP has the kind of personality that literally lights up a room. She is fun and warm as a summer morning.









• NURSES


Bonnie
Bonnie has been with Family Planning for many years. We depend heavily on her knowledge, compassion, and support.








• HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS/COUNSELORS


Sergio*
Currently, Sergio is the only male among us. We want to encourage the men in our community to access our programs and services, too. Sergio is helping us to do that, and we are very glad he is part of our "family".





















• BILLING DEPARTMENT

If you have questions about billed services, please contact Maria (family planning services), or Bonny (prenatal services). Besides being very good at what they do, they are helpful and patient.

Bonny









Terry*, a proud great-grandmother, rarely misses a day of work. Her commitment to the community is evident. She is also fun, sharp and energetic. We have a difficult time keeping up with her.

Hot Links for Parents

ANRED: Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, INC.
A nonprofit organization that provides information about anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other less-well-known food and weight disorders. Material includes self-help tips and information about recovery and prevention.

The Aware Foundation
Aware empowers young people by providing them and their families with the facts and educational resources they need to make responsible decisions regarding their wellness, sexuality, and reproductive health.

4Girls Health
Their mission is to promote healthy, positive behaviors in girls between the ages of 10 and 16. The site gives girls reliable, useful information on the health issues they will face as they become young women, and tips on handling relationships with family and friends, at school and at home.

C.H.E.F. FUEL Series to fight childhood obesity. Check out this link for current information.

iwannaknow.org
This web site is geared toward teens and answers questions about teen sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases. The site also includes a Parent's Guide and a glossary.

The Empower Program
Their mission is to work with youth to end the culture of violence.

Love is Not Abuse
This web site has guides you may download to help you talk to your teen about healthy relationships, dating, and abuse.

Talking With Kids About Tough Issues
This web site is the result of a national initiative by Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation to encourage parents to talk to their children earlier and more often about tough issues like sex, HIV/AIDS, violence, alcohol and drug abuse.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Foster Care
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy offers information for foster parents on their website at Teenpregnancy.org.

White Paper: Adolescent Sexuality
A report published by the Katharine Dexter McCormick Library, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, available on their web site.

FPCD Community and Links

Here are some links:

Beth Dilling, MA, NCC, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing services for teen and young women. She is located in Wenatchee. (509)665-8059

Susan Evans, MSW (509)662-7632 and William Layman, MA, CMHC (509)662-7285 also provide counseling services, including a focus on empowering women. They are located in Wenatchee.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
CDC's Vision for the 21st Century: Healthy People in a Healthy World – Through Prevention

Domestic and Sexual Violence Crisis Center: If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship call the Domestic Violence Center for help. They are located in Wenatchee. Se habla Español 24-HOUR CRISIS LINE: Call 888-HELP or (509)663-7446 TDD 1-800-833-6388

Feminist Women’s Health Center (FWHC) is a non-profit charitable organization that operates the Cedar River Clinics in Renton, Tacoma, and Yakima. To achieve reproductive freedom for women, the FWHC provides woman-centered healthcare and education, and advocates all options for all women. Their health services and education expand women's choices and empower women's decisions. Se habla Español

National HIV Testing Resources
This Web site contains many resources on HIV testing including a national database of HIV testing sites and answers to many questions about HIV/AIDS and testing.

Northwest Women's Law Center brings public impact cases throughout the Northwest, operates a self-help program for low and middle-income women and men, and provides assistance to advocates and activists.

Odyssey Youth Center: Odyssey Youth Center works with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their allies to provide a safe place, education and advocacy to promote positive growth and self-empowerment. They are located in Spokane.

Okanogan Family Planning is now located in Omak. Visit their new website for more information on their services.

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays(PFLAG)
PFLAG provide a safe place for GLBTQ people, as well as their friends and families to be themselves without fear of ridicule or ostracism. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialog about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. They are located in Wenatchee.

SIECUS
SIECUS works to provide parents and educators with the information they need on important issues such as sexuality education, youth development, sexual and reproductive health, puberty, abstinence, relationships, sexual orientation, body image, self-esteem, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancy, and more.

Timeline

• Milestones of Family Planning in the United States, and in Chelan-Douglas Counties

1800 - The average woman bears 7 childen over the course of her lifetime

1873 - Congress passes the Comstock law, an anti-obscenity bill used to prosecute those who distribute birth control


• More on Anthony Comstock

1916 - Margaret Sanger opens the nation's first birth control clinic

1917 - Margaret Sanger is arrested for distributing contraceptives

1918 - Condoms are legalized for disease prevention

1960 - FDA approves the birth control pill


• The Pill by PBS American Experience

1961 - Estelle Griswold, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, and Dr. C. Lee Buxton, the medical director, are arrested for counseling patients on contraception in newly opened birth control clinic.

1965 - Connecticut law still prohibits birth control for married couples. In Griswold v. Connecticut, the Supreme Court reverses the Connecticut Comstock law, recognizes a constitutional right to privacy and secures the right of married women to use contraception.

1970 - President Nixon signs into law Title X of the Public Health Service Act to provide access to family planning services for all women without regard to economic circumstance.


• May - Family Planning Association of Chelan-Douglas Counties (FPCD) files articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State.

1971 - NFPRHA is founded to serve as an umbrella organization for family planning providers and supporters and to advocate for universal access to family planning services.


• April - FPCD opens its doors in Wenatchee in the basement of the Church of the Brethren; total number of clients seen is 149.


• Autumn - FPCD moves to space in Mary Murphy Hall.

1972 - In Eisenstadt v. Baird, the Supreme Court extends the right to use contraception to unmarried women.


• March - FPCD receives IRS Exemption Status

1975 - FPCD moves to space rented from Community Health on North Wenatchee Avenue.

1977 - In Carey v. Population Services International, the Supreme Court extends the right to use contraception to teens.


• FPCD started the cervical cancer screening program for women of all ages. The clinic was open three days per week, and 1117 clients were seen.

1978 - FPCD adopts their mission statement.

1979 - FPCD receives Title X funds

1982 - Due to the availability of effective birth control, 60% of women of reproductive age are employed in the U.S.

1987 - FPCD moves to its present location

1988 - NFPRHA successfully challenges the domestic gag rule regulations preventing family planning clinics from providing information on abortion.

1991 - In Rust v. Sullivan, Supreme Court upholds gag rule.

1993 - President Clinton overturns the gag rule

1998 - FPCD hires a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) enabling the agency to offer prenatal/delivery services in addition to established reproductive health/clinical services.

2000 - FPCD hires a second CNM to meet demand for prenatal services

2001 - FPCD receives a grant from the Ms. Foundation to implement the Mother/Daughter Talks project.

2002 - FPCD is awarded a grant from March of Dimes to implement the award-winning Centering Pregnancy Program

2004 - FPCD receives funding for the Male Involvement Project to improve sexual health and reduce the number of unintended pregnancies in Chelan-Douglas Counties by addressing the underserved male population.

2005 - The average woman bears 2.1 children over the course of her lifetime.

History

This page contains historical information and/or links to issues and events important to women. Click on the link of interest below.

Did you know that women have only had the right to vote for 86 years of the 230 years that the United States has been a nation?

Visit the National Women's History Project for more interesting information. NWHP is a nonprofit organization that recognizes and celebrates the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs.


Margaret Sanger
Founder of the American birth control movement and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.







The Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project
In 1929, 34 year old Clara Bell Duvall died from complications of a self-induced abortion. Left behind were five young children, including Linn Duvall Harwell, who has dedicated her life to ensuring that other women do not suffer the same tragic fate as her mother.






Lydia Maria Child, best remembered for her Thanksgiving poem Over the River and Through the Woods, was an author and abolitionist. In 1826 she started the first monthly periodical for children in the U.S., Juvenile Miscellany. When she published An Appeal in Favor of That Class of Americans Called African in 1833, much of her audience turned against her. In 1870, she was a founding member of the Massachusetts Women's Suffrage Association, however Abolition was always her first priority. Child was also the author of The Frugal Housewife, The History of the Conditions of Women in Various Ages and Nations, and An Appeal for the Indians, which proposed solutions for justice for Native Americans. The Mother's Book, published in 1831, voiced her concern that mothers guide the education of their children, particularly their daughters, and stressed the importance of sex education for children.



Inez Milholland was born in 1886. As a student at Vassar, she was suspended after organizing a rally in a cemetery in response to the college's policy prohibiting speakers on women's suffrage from appearing on campus. In 1913, Milholland led the women's suffrage demonstration in Washington on a white horse. She became one of the leaders of the Congressional Union for Women Suffrage.




In 1896 Helga Estby and her daughter Clara walked 3500 miles across America in the hope of winning a $10,000 wager in order to save the family farm in Eastern Washington. Helga faced disapproval from family and friends for making a decision that challenged Victorian society's standards for women. As a result, Helga's story was silenced by her family and the written account she kept was lost to future generations. The award-winning book Bold Spirit by Linda L. Hunt describes Helga and Clara's fascinating journey.




The Boundaries of Her Body: The Troubling History of Women's Rights in America
by Debran Rowland