Dateline: September 5, 2002

Family planning services available 

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Subsidized family planning services, through Title XX, is now available again in Clarendon through the Clarendon Family Medical Center. 

Planned Parenthood of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, a contractor of the Texas Department of Health, announced this week that it will subcontract with the Clarendon Family Medical Center, effective September 1, 2002, to provide family planning services in Clarendon and the surrounding counties. 

“The Center is located at One Medical Center Drive and is under the professional direction of John Howard, M.D.,” Claudia Stravato, CEO of Planned Parenthood said.

“We look forward to working with Planned Parenthood to provide family planning services in Clarendon,” John Howard, M.D., said.

“Planned Parenthood closed its offices in Donley County in 2001 due to decreasing federal funds,” Stravato said. “By reestablishing services in Donley County, with a local provider, patients will not have to travel so far for these critical services.  And by subcontracting with a local provider, the costs to deliver the services are reduced, thereby allowing more uninsured patients to receive services.”

“We are especially pleased that the students at Clarendon College will now have reproductive health services easily available to them,” she said.

Through Title XX, Planned Parenthood has provided funding for subsidized health screening and family planning services for over 30 years in the Texas Panhandle.  These services include clinical and physical exams, pelvic exams, STD testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, diagnostic laboratory testing including Pap Smears.

Patients can also receive subsidized testing for anemia, screening for diabetes and urinary tract infections, diagnosis and treatment for vaginal infections, and HIV testing. 

“Planned Parenthood of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle does not provide abortion services,” said Stravato.

Appointments can be made by calling 874-3531. 

Screening for Title XX eligibility is determined on site, and charges are based on a sliding fee scale.  If screening determines that a patient will owe a portion of their costs, these costs are expected to be paid on site.