Services at Poughkeepsie Planned Parenthood
Sexual health and security are becoming an intense issue for adolescents around the country. Lack of resources (especially in less fortunate areas), makes it harder for young people to receive aid and advise. Planned Parenthood serves as a safe-haven for many by providing this sort of assistance. The Hudson Valley has a number of different Planned Parenthood centers, including one right in Poughkeepsie.
Right off of Noxon Street stands the Poughkeepsie Planned Parenthood. Although seemingly small, This center offers a variety of different services regarding physical and sexual health, ranging from women’s health care, STD testing, LGBT services, and plenty more. This center, in particular, is acknowledged for its services to younger individuals, as many are known to come in as if they have nowhere else to turn.
Ash, one of the receptionists at the center states how “ a decent number of patients who come in are under the age of 20. They’re already young and confused, and sometimes even ashamed to go to their peers for help, so coming to a place like this serves as an escape. A place free of judgment”.
This intolerance of judgment in the center starts even in the waiting room. Shawn, one of the patients waiting to be seen, speaks to his prior experience with this specific center .
“ I had come here last week, distraught over a sexual incident I had experienced. At first, I was extremely worried about coming to a Planned Parenthood. ‘ These kinds of places are more for women, what could they offer me?’ I’m so happy to know how wrong I could be”.
Shawn went on to discuss the care and attention the center was able to provide him after his incident, and not just physically. “ The nurses were so kind it was overwhelming. Kept asking if I was okay and needed anything”.
The center itself has gotten plenty of attention in the last few years, especially since the last presidential election. “Protests for and against the center would almost block the doors daily”, describes Emily, one of the nurses at the center. “People certainly had a lot to say about the services we provide, and with the outcome of the election to follow, we became fearful for the very future of Planned Parenthood as a whole”.
While services are plentiful, there is always room for improvement. The center hopes to continue expanding what they already offer. Workshops and informative lectures have been in the works at this center since 2017, and Poughkeepsie PP hopes to become more educated in LGBT sexual help to better help those in the community who come to the center in need.
Thankfully, the center has stood tall since the 2016 election, and continues to receive support from the area and around the country. With over 60 visitors daily, services from Planned Parenthood certainly help those who need it and will continue to do so for years to come.
