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CMDHD Family Planning Program offers services for teens, adults

Herald Review - 7/5/2018

REED CITY -With teen pregnancy rates on the rise, the local health department believes it's time to focus even more on preventing teen pregnancies.

The Family Planning Program at Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) provides birth control services to men and women of all ages who want to prevent unwanted pregnancies, regardless of their income.

According to a release from the health department, the federally funded Family Planning Program stresses education and counseling to help lower health risks and increase healthy behaviors. The main goal of the program is to reduce unplanned pregnancies, which has proven to be successful. Abortions are not provided through the Family Planning Program.

Two certified nurse practitioners will see clients at each of the local CMDHD offices. Those who seek to receive family planning services are seen on a confidential basis.

While services are available to anyone, most clients are teens and low-income men and women.

The Family Planning Program at CMDHD 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, rings, IUDs, 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; and

? Follow-up and referrals for social and medical issues.

CMDHD also offers clients reproductive health care visits and the ability to send prescriptions to a pharmacy.

CMDHD encourages teens to talk to their parents or a trusted adult about about the consequences that follow risky behaviors.

Believe it or not, kids want to know what parents think. The following facts were provided by stayteen.org:

? Teens say parents are the No. 1 influence on them when it comes to dating and relationships;

? 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;

? Almost 1 in 6 teens say they don't know anyone who serves as an example of a healthy relationship.

Low-income clients can receive their services at a reduced cost or no cost and 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 CMDHD's six-county district based on income level.

Most insurance companies which cover services are billed; however, donations are accepted to support services. Clients should check with their insurance company to see what services are covered at the local health department.

For more information, visit cmdhd.org.