Plan First to provide inexpensive reproductive health services

The Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department and the Charlottesville Department of Social Services are partnering to bring a new family planning program to Virginia residents.

Plan First, a birth control program for men and women, is geared towards the protection of reproductive health and serves as a guide in the family planning process.

“This program was created as an attempt to get services to men, as they are the most difficult to reach out to in regards to family planning,” said Joan Rivers, family planning coordinator for the Charlottesville area.

Plan First will offer yearly family planning exams, pap and STD tests, lab services, family education and counseling, along with sterilization procedures for men, prescription and over-thecounter contraceptives, and transportation to family planning services.

“The eligibility requirements are very flexible, and the application is free and short,” said Rivers.

Men and women who are United States citizens, live in Virginia and meet the monthly income levels of $1,815 for a family of one, $2,452 for a family of two and $3,089 for a family or three will be eligible to participate in this program.

“Making $200 above the poverty line, I am not eligible for any benefits through social services, and my job doesn’t have a health care program,” said Marissa Stokes, a recipient of Plan First services. “Plan First has gotten me and my husband through our first pregnancy without having to pay anything out of pocket. They even offered to pick us up for appointments.”

Applications for Plan First are available at all local health departments and all local social services offices.

Those interested in learning more may call 1-800-230-6977 or visit planfirst.org.