Outreach to Low-Income Communities
Planned Parenthood works in all communities to address economic biases and to ensure that all women and men receive top-quality health care. We are committed to providing basic and preventive health services to women, men, and teens, especially in communities with few other providers.
In 2007, Planned Parenthood Federation of America recognized Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey (PPCNJ) for its Bridge Builders program — a groundbreaking community outreach initiative that assists low-income community members, particularly Latinas, access top-notch reproductive care at their local Planned Parenthood health centers.
Alison Glaser, PPCNJ vice president of community services, describes how the Bridge Builders community liaisons literally take their mission to the streets: “They go to nail salons, bodegas, bakeries, and train stations to basically just talk to women, reach out to them, and give them information in English and Spanish.”
Another advantage of Bridge Builders is that the community liaisons who sign women up for appointments — often calling in the new client’s information right on the spot — also work at the health center as medical assistants. Glaser said, “What could be better than having the person you met at that bodega be there to greet you, saying, ‘I’m so glad you came in for your appointment’?” As a result, Bridge Builders clients are also likely to keep their initial appointments and to return to Planned Parenthood, sometimes bringing sisters and friends with them. The end result is that women who were not getting regular exams are now getting the preventive care they want and need.
With Bridge Builders, Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey has created an outreach program that exemplifies the Planned Parenthood commitment to excellent health care.
Published: 07.03.08
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