Planned Parenthood is now offering Men's Services
Initially my internship was kind of monotonous, entering HIV testing sites throughout the country, day after day. Updating information, a new contact, address changes, finding new testing sites is always a plus! Ignorance is NOT bliss, knowing your HIV status is essential if you're sexually active, which everyone who's reading this blog ought to know. After researching a lot of HIV testing sites throughout the country, I notice a not so surprising trend. In the most metropolitan areas, and “campus towns” you'll find the highest concentration of AIDS or LGBTQ organizations...so what's new?! At the time, the only other options are state-run agencies, and something tells me I wouldn't be welcome sashaying into a local South Dakota clinic to get HIV tested! But low and below, there are not one, but two Planned Parenthoods is Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. Here's an ad on Montana Gay's Men Task Force site promoting HIV rapid testing, where ALL Planned Parenthoods thorough the state are located. Their trying to avoid any “bareback cowboys” from roaming the plains!...lol
Planned Parenthood has health centers in almost every state (or just across the border.) PP took the lead in LGBTQ issues regarding sex for women, teens, and eventually men. I believe Planned Parenthood Men's Services began in 2006, but don't goes do a CNN “fact check” on me, damn it! PP of Indiana's mission statement: “To support those who need us most, without bias or judgment, without fear, without fail.” That's pretty friggin' liberal, if you ask me. If a bi-guy, or any sexuality active dude Planned Parenthood is perfect for you. PP offer testing for not only HIV, but for STD from clancroid to trichomoniasis (what?!,) urinary tract infections (geeze, I hate those!,) and checking for testicular cancer, which HIV is one of factors that increases the risk of developing this disease...hmmm? (Do you know that?) It doesn't stop with the testing, PP has counselors, educators and case managers. Many women; and now men have chosen Planned Parenthood for continued care of their sexual health. According to the 2007 annual report only 3% of the budget went to getting rid of an unwanted baby (the "A" make me dry heave,) while 30% of the dollars went to HIV and STD testing, and advocating prevention and education! In addition, another 29% went for contraception (lots of FREE birth control pills, ho hum,) and tons of complimentary condoms!!! Have you heard of the “female” condom?...that another blog in itself!
Planned Parenthood isn't for me (I heart NY,) or any of my HIV+ friends in San Francisco, Miami, or LA. But it might be for a teenage boy in Chicago who sexuality in leading him down many “paths” (so to speak,) or a closeted bi-sexual married guy in Atlanta...I can go on and on... This blog is to further promote Planned Parenthood Men's Services, and I'm thankful to all of the Sarah Palin haters (myself included) for donated in her name, so PP can continue the fine work they're doing. Let's all burn in hell together!...only joking.
CALL NOW, GET TESTED, PREVENTION IS POWER, yada yada yada...
Dplus
I HOPE People take notice of this article, it is great information and every Man gay or straight should get their county or city organizations to make this happen in each area of the country. Testing for men in Planned parenthood. Great Idea.
Much Care,
Jerry