LIHUE — Officials from Planned Parenthood, a nationwide provider of nationwide sexual and reproductive health care services, say they are moving forward with plans to forge a partnership between the organization’s regional offices in Hawaii and the Northwest and eventually
LIHUE — Officials from Planned Parenthood, a nationwide provider of nationwide sexual and reproductive health care services, say they are moving forward with plans to forge a partnership between the organization’s regional offices in Hawaii and the Northwest and eventually merge operations.
“The Planned Parenthood of Hawaii board and leadership team has determined that partnering with Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest will further our ability to thrive in the current health care environment and ensure the continuation of Planned Parenthood services in communities across Hawaii,” Planned Parenthood of Hawaii Board Chair Joanna Amberger said in a statement.
If a merger of the two affiliates is approved, the expanded organization would operate a total of 28 health centers across Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho and Western Washington.
“What these types of consolidations make possible is growing the organization, expanding our capabilities and maximizing staff potential,” Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest CEO Chris Charbonneau wrote in an email.
Planned Parenthood of Hawaii officials halted walk-in office services at the Kauai Clinic last year after determining “that our time and resources are best spent in the community providing Kauai’s families and youth with the education, information and skills they need to keep themselves safe, healthy and strong.”
The official merger vote, Charbonneau said, will take place in mid-April.
But for now, Planned Parenthood officials say all services will remain the same.