Tell Washoe County to keep Title X, America's family planning program for the lowest income citizens.

The Washoe County Board of Health has made the difficult decision to cut its family planning program 50% starting July 1, 2008, with a goal of only providing $75,000 in three years (down from $980,000 this year!). During the budget hearings Commissioners Bonnie Weber and David Humke have indicated an interest in revoking Washoe County's acceptance of the federal Title X funding, expecting local health organizations to take over these grants. While it sounds simple, this is not an easy transfer and affects several health care services and sexuality education programs.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to you today to show my support for Washoe County's Title X funding.

Family planning is important AND a very cost-effective investment. For every dollar spent on prevention, nearly $4 is saved in Medicaid for pregnancy related health care and low birth weight infants. Title X family planning grants offers a real safety net for the lowest income families. Washoe County cannot privatize family planning and Title X services - there is limited capacity in the community for absorbing the cuts and taking on the Title X responsibility.

As community health agencies pick up the 50% of family planning clients who are displaced by the Board of Health budget cuts, it is vital that Washoe County keep its doors open for the neediest patients, those who have no where else to turn. Don't let politics impact women's health care.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 24, 2008