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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (April 15, 2016)
S tre e t R o o ts • A p ril 1 5 - 2 1 , 2 0 1 6 Commentary P a g e 14 Take care of yourself, your health and your community Jessica Estrada is the Youth Education Program Coordinator fo r Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette BY JESSICA ESTRADA C O N T R IB U T IN G C O L U M N IS T aking care of your health should be a year-round effort, but this month, as we mark National Minority Health Month, we hope you’ll use this opportunity to take care of yourself, your health and your community. While we’ve made some progress in moving toward better health outcomes for people of color, we’ve still got highest quality of care no matter who they a long way to go. We must continue working are and where they live — no matter what. with our communities to transform our We are committed to working in world from one divided by disparities to a communities to break down barriers many - world united by health equity. face in accessing health care and For example, although pregnancy rates among all racial/ethnic groups have declined information. We fight to ensure all people get the confidential, affordable health care since their peak in 1991, significant they need, regardless of one’s race, income, disparities in unintended teen pregnancy geography, citizenship status or gender rates exist The teen pregnancy rate among identity. We offer expert resources, accurate non-Hispanic African American and Latina information and compassionate counseling; girls ages 15 to 19 is more than twice as we replace fear with facts, and high as the pregnancy rate among non- misinformation with education. Hispanic white girls ages 15 to 19. Here in We know that we can improve the Multnomah County, the most alarming healthcare outcomes of every person and disparities in teen birth rates are among every family in our community, regardless of American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Blacks/ race or ethnicity, when we work together. African Americans and Latinas. That’s why Planned Parenthood Columbia Across the United States, many people of Willamette is proud to offer translation color are deeply impacted by the services in our health centers, in our call overwhelming lack of access to health care centers and in our education and outreach and health education services, yet they have programs. some of the greatest needs for preventive As the national and regional experts in health care. sexual and reproductive health care and Planned Parenthood believes that all education, we provide safe, nonjudgmental, people and their families deserve the B MARKET p e o p JL le ’s FARMERS’ WEDNESDAYS 2-7PM i inclusive and trauma-informed educational programs to young people and communities. Together with our partners, our committed staff works diligently to enhance the well being of our communities and future generations. Our community and school- based programming supports young people as they grow, and helps them plan healthy futures as they learn to make positive contributions in their own communities. These-programs strengthen their ability to respond to development challenges in effective ways, and provide the motivation needed to apply knowledge and skills in their real-life decision making, particularly as it relates to sexual health. In Multnomah County, the recently launched Adolescents and Communities Together Project brings together community organizations to implement evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs for populations at greatest need. Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, Native American Youth and Family Center, Self Enhancement Inc., Latino Network, Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, Multnomah County Health Department and schools will equip young people with the knowledge and the tools needed to make healthy choices about their sexual wellbeing; to be comfortable talking about sexuality with partners, families and peers; and to actualize full engagement as responsible citizens. Planned Parenthood staff work diligently with community partners in similar educational and engagement projects in communities across the Portland metropolitan area, Marion County and Central Oregon. Every year, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette provides lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, testing and treatment for STDs, breast health services and Pap tests to more than 55,000 women, men and young people in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We also provide accurate, nonjudgmental sexual health education and information to nearly 14,000 people. We are committed to helping all communities get the healthcare services and information they need to stay healthy, and our doors are open to everyone. We hope you take the time in April to check in with your loved ones about their health — and then join us as we work to improve healthcare outcomes for all — a commitment we stand by every day of the year. We know that when people are truly cared for, they make their lives, their families and their communities better and healthier. Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette is the largest nonprofit provider o f sexual and reproductive health care and youth education programs in Oregon and Southwest Washington. For more information visit PPCW.org. C a re O re g o n * goMobileteam FOOD CO-OP wSI « n i OHP Navigation Clinics CareOregon and our partners make Oregon Health Plan navigation easy! $5 MATCH WITH EBT CARD We're passionate about helping our community access healthy food that they can trust. By shopping our market, you'll get extra food dollars while supporting local farmers and community. 3029 SE 21st Ave. btwn Powell & Division We offer help with: • Medicaid medical, dental and mental health appointments • Medicare eligibility for disabled and elderly adults Find us at these locations: Belmont Library 1038 Cesar Chavez Blvd April 21..... 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Bud Clark Commons 665 NW Hoyt Avenue This m an works. April 13...... 8 a.m.-10 a.m. April 27...... 8 a.m.-10 a.m. City Team Portland So does Street Roots. 526 SE Grand Avenue April 20...... 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Clackamas County Transition Center Portland Rescue Mission 2223 Kaen Road Oregon City April 07 . . . . . . . 8 April 14. . . . . . . 8 April 21. . . . . . . 8 April 28. . . . . . . 8 April 05....... 1 p.m.-3 p.m. April 20....... 1 p.m.-3 p.m. 111 W Burnside a.m.-10 a.m. a.m.-10 a.m. a.m.-10 a.m. a.m.-10 a.m. Union Gospel Mission 3 SW 3rd Avenue April 19. . . . . . . 2 p.m.-4 p.m. April 26. . . . . . . 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
