Planned Parenthood of Indiana Offers Health Care Initiative to Help Struggling Hoosiers

Planned Parenthood of Indiana has announced a new health care initiative for its Mishawaka and Warsaw health centers. “Recession Rx” is intended to help Hoosiers in the two areas affected by large numbers of layoffs and plant closures.

A $38,000 bequest from the late Dr. W. Hugh Headlee and Gabrielle Mills Headlee allows PPIN to offer certain health care services and contraceptives to women and men who might otherwise not be able to afford them and who do not qualify for other funding programs. Dr. and Mrs. Headlee were longtime supporters of PPIN.

“This is an initiative that our parents would have completely supported. It comes at a crucial time when so many Hoosiers are delaying basic health care due to the economy,” said Bloomington resident and daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Headlee, Joan Bowden, on behalf of the entire Headlee family.

Indiana AFL-CIO Vice President Tony Flora spoke during a press conference in Mishawaka to announce the initiative. “Tens of thousands of Hoosiers have lost their jobs. That often means the loss of health care through their employer-based health insurance. Unemployment ravages communities in so many ways, but we cannot lose sight of how it undermines a family's health. We applaud this effort to provide a very important component of health care--reproductive health care--by Planned Parenthood of Indiana.”

The area has been hit hard by unemployment. Recently-released preliminary figures show that Saint Joseph County, where Mishawaka is located, had a non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April of 10.8 percent and Kosciusko County, where Warsaw is located, had a 12.2 percent rate. Both counties border Elkhart County, which leads the state with an unemployment rate of 17.8 percent.

The initiative at the two health centers will run through June 30 or until funding runs out. Recession Rx will include free annual exams and STD screenings, plus birth control pills at $9 a pack, up to three packs, or one $27 Depo Provera injection for anyone in need.

“We are grateful that the Headlees remembered our organization and the thousands of patients we serve,” said PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum. “The good work they did in life will continue through this fitting tribute.”

PPIN provides affordable health care at its 34 health centers around the state every day. Hoosiers who do not qualify for this special initiative or who do not live in the areas, can contact their local health center by calling 1-800-230-PLAN to discuss other options for affordable reproductive health care.