Community members, elected officials, and staff members gathered to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Planned Parenthood of New York City Bronx Health Center.
The center is one of three Planned Parenthood health centers in New York City (the other two are located in Manhattan and Brooklyn), and serves about 10,000 patients each year, mainly for preventative and basic reproductive health care services such as birth control, yearly exams, lifesaving cancer screenings, and STD and HIV testing.
The center operated on reduced hours for about a year while PPNYC rennovated the facility – upgrading the facility and equipment, changing the layout of the equipment, and adding additional training space.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera spoke, praising Planned Parenthood’s presence in the Bronx, and the City Council presented an official proclamation.
He said, “I commend Planned Parenthood of the Bronx for their 65 years of service providing women with affordable health care and critical services. As a Founding member of the Pro-Choice Caucus in the New York State Legislature, I am committed protecting Planned Parenthood’s ability to provide both health services and health education in the Bronx and throughout the state.”
Joan Malin, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of New York City said, “For the past several months we’ve been the target of extreme political attacks by those who oppose what we do. It was heartwarming that, on the day of our relaunch of our Bronx health center, there was an affirmation on the national level that what we do is important, and essential to the health of this country.
“No matter what tactics our opponents take, they cannot change the fact that we are an essential, necessary health care provider for the community. That is what we have always done, and, thanks to last night’s vote, that is what we will continue to do.”
