The Shadow
STAUNTON, Va. (VR) — Due to recent federal funding cuts that support nationwide family planning services, the Central Shenandoah Health District will no longer be able to offer these services after July 20. Services that will not be impacted include the distribution of free condoms, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing and treatment.
The affected services are funded through Title X Family Planning, a federal grant program created to provide comprehensive and confidential family planning including contraception and pregnancy counseling, breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, and pregnancy diagnosis.
The Virginia Department of Health received a $1,150,000 reduction in Title X funds extending through early 2023. The lack of this funding source impacts the ability of local health districts to continue providing these services.
“We understand the importance of these services and how much our community depends on them,” said Dr. Elaine Perry, Interim Health Director for the Central Shenandoah Health District. “While we no longer have the needed resources, other providers within the health district will continue to serve individuals in need of family planning services.
Earlier this month, the Central Shenandoah Health District notified its patients regarding the discontinuation of family planning services due to the lack of funding. Within this communication, patients received a comprehensive list of local providers, including the Rockbridge Area Health Center and Healthy Communities Health Centers, who offer similar services to address the needs of our patients.
Any questions or concerns can be sent via email to the Central Shenandoah Health District at cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov.
