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Letter from PPGNHI CEO

Annual Report 2016: PPGNHI

» Download Annual Report (PDF)

No question, 2016 was a year for the history books. While the election results did not bring us the outcome we expected, I am so incredibly proud of the work our staff has done to ensure our patients, students, families and communities get the services and education they need. I continue to believe that as we navigate these challenging waters together, we’ll get through this and emerge stronger than ever. Which is why I am pleased to present you with a look at our continued momentum and strength in Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands’ 2016 Report to Our Community.

It is important to pause and recognize the truly dedicated work of Planned Parenthood’s health care providers, educators, staff, activists, supporters, and donors. Thank you for everything you do to make this important work possible. No matter what.

In 2016, our Clinical Services team launched pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and primary care services at our Seattle, Eastside-Bellevue, Federal Way, Lynnwood and Boise health centers. Services include treatment for high blood pressure, low thyroid, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and asthma.

In July, we held our first ever Teen Council Summit with 150 Teen Council peer educators, 70 Teen Council facilitators, alumni and support staff representing 35 Teen Council organizations in 13 states. The summit was presented by PPGNHI’s Peer Education Institute and Planned Parenthood Generation Action. Following the summit, one of our Teen Council members, Tasha Elizarde, shared her story with MTV News on the limited access to sex ed in her community in Juneau.

Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii (PPVNH) had its biggest, busiest year of organizing to date. Staff worked tirelessly and engaged with more than 6,000 volunteers. PPVNH also lobbied hard in all four states during the 2016 legislative session.

Lastly, our legal advocacy was running at full steam. In Idaho, we challenged two laws banning the use of telemedicine for medication abortion and succeeded in securing a settlement that eliminates the ban. In Alaska, our legal challenge to a parental notification law succeeded, and we filed a lawsuit that challenges outdated Alaska regulations preventing Planned Parenthood from providing needed second trimester abortions. Finally, we prevailed in the Stormans Inc. v. Wiesman case in Washington — a decision that requires pharmacists to dispense birth control, emergency contraception, and all FDA approved medications to patients without discrimination.

Planned Parenthood celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016, and in a way it seems fitting that this milestone would be marked by both amazing progress and painful setbacks. Our opposition has set its sights on Planned Parenthood, health care and basic human rights, but I am here to tell you we aren’t going anywhere. The fight will be a long one, but together we are 100 Years Strong and we will never stop. No matter what.

- Christine Charbonneau, PPGNHI CEO