Expanding Access, Empowering Communities: Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains to Open New Health Center in Pittsburg, Kansas
For Immediate Release: May 14, 2024
Amid Kansans' overwhelming support for abortion rights in a region of the country where many states have severely restricted or completely banned essential care, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains (CHPPGP) is proud to announce the upcoming opening of its new health center in Pittsburg. Southeast Kansas is one of the most underserved areas in the state and will directly benefit from the expansion of CHPPGP’s network of providers, bringing care closer to home.
With an opening currently slated for early fall, the Pittsburg Health Center will join three other CHPPGP clinics across the state: Overland Park, Wichita, and Kansas City, Kansas. The Pittsburg Health Center will provide services including abortion (medication and procedural), contraception, emergency contraception (morning-after pill), STI and HIV testing and treatment, and pregnancy testing and services.
This announcement comes as Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains begins the hiring process to allow time for adequate training and onboarding of new staff ahead of the health center's opening. Health care professionals interested in applying for a position should look for openings, here.
Statement from Emily Wales, president and CEO, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains:
“As we expand our footprint into Southeast Kansas, we are deeply committed to our mission of providing inclusive and equitable access to essential sexual and reproductive health care. The opening of our new health center in Pittsburg underscores our dedication to empowering communities and ensuring that individuals have the resources to make informed decisions about their health and future. At a time when access to critical reproductive health care is under threat, we are proud to expand our network to serve the needs of patients in this community and beyond. “
Statement from Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains
“The opening of the Pittsburg Health Center marks a significant milestone in our mission to empower communities through accessible health care. With a wide range of essential services, including abortion care, contraception, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment, and more, we are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our patients. As we prepare to welcome patients in the fall, our team is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care with compassion and respect.”
Crawford County has a demonstrated need for CHPPGP services, as an estimated 37 percent of women are in need of publicly funded contraceptive services, and the county exceeds the state average for STI infection rates. Additionally, there is support for abortion rights, as demonstrated by 55 percent of Crawford County voters opting to protect access in August 2022.