OSCEOLA COUNTY — There is a solution for those hoping to prevent pregnancy before they are ready.
The Family Planning Program at Central Michigan District Health Department provides birth control services to men and women of all ages who want to prevent unwanted pregnancies, regardless of their income. This is a federally funded program which provides many positive health benefits for all men, women and teens that are seen in their clinics. The program stresses education and counseling to help lower health risks and increase healthy behaviors. There is also proof to show that after being in the program, women who choose to get pregnant have a lower chance of having problems during their pregnancies.
Abortions are not provided through the Family Planning Program. Anyone who wishes to receive family planning services are seen on a confidential basis.
While services are available to anyone, their main groups of clients are teens and low-income men and women. People with income levels at or below poverty can receive their services at reduced or no cost to them. No one is denied services because of their inability to pay. Family planning fees are charged on a sliding fee scale to any person living within our six-county district. CMDHD can also bill most insurance companies. Clients should check with their insurance company to see what services are covered at the local health department.
With teen pregnancy rates on the rise, it is time to focus even more on preventing teen pregnancies. CMDHD encourages teens to talk to their parents about their sexual behaviors and beliefs. Even though parental involvement is not required, they believe that it is extremely important for parents to know that staff encourages teens to talk to their parents or to an adult they trust about the consequences that follow risky behavior.
- FACT: Teens say parents are the No. 1 influence on them when it comes to dating and relationships.
- FACT: When it comes to healthy relationships, teens say it’s all about trust. Teens say honesty is the second most important factor in a healthy relationship.
- FACT: Almost one in six teens say they don’t know anyone who serves as an example of a healthy relationship.
(source: stayteen.org)
The Family Planning Program at CMDHD has caring Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses working in their offices. Services include:
- Annual (physical) exams including tests for sexually transmitted infections
- A full range of birth control information, including abstinence education
- A variety of birth control methods including birth control pills, injections, patches, rings, IUD’s, implants, condoms, natural family planning and emergency contraception
- Pregnancy testing, counseling and referrals
- Screening for referrals for breast and cervical cancer and other health issues
- Referrals for HIV and AIDS testing
- Client education and counseling and community education
- Follow-up and referrals for social and medical issues
Parents and other adults are encouraged to call or come and visit our clinics for a tour. This is available even if your teen is not sexually active or using the health department’s family planning services.
