Public Health

Family Planning Clinic Notice
Effective April 1, 2015, Family Planning services will no longer be available at our downtown Mount Vernon location. These services will still be offered at our Sedro Woolley and Concrete teen clinic locations for those who are between 14 – 18 years of age.

CONTRACEPTIVE SERVICES FOR WOMEN SHOULD BE FREE

A medical advisory panel of the Institute of Medicine recommended that the White House add coverage for free contraceptive services for women as a preventive service in the Obama health-care reform plan. The panel advised that the law bar health insurers from charging copayments for the range of contraceptive methods approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including the morning after pills and sterilization procedures.

It's about time contraceptive services became part of the nation's package of basic preventive care, accessible to women, especially those who cannot afford or have no access to pregnancy care. As the panel of scientists noted, almost half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended, an estimated 40% of them end in abortion. Removing barriers to contraceptive services is more likely to drive down the abortion rate and unwanted births. The priority should be to increase women's options to avoid unwanted, mistimed pregnancies. Pregnancy is a commitment to becoming a parent. Society bears too heavy a burden as a result of the many people who are not equipped or ready to take on the responsibility of parenthood.

What is Take Charge?

Take Charge began July 1, 2001 as a 5 year family planning federal grant that was continued. It is designed to help people "take charge" of their lives by preventing mistimed or unwanted pregnancies, provide contaception, emergency contraception, and STD services for ages 14 and over.

Who is Take Charge available to?

Any Washington State resident who lacks insurance coverage for family planning services and who is at or below the 250% federal poverty level for income. For a one-person family this would mean an income at or below $2,491.00/month.

What services are included in the Take Charge Program?

• Medical coupon issued for one full year of family planning service (renewable yearly)
• Annual health exam (for both men and women)
• Family planning reproductive health education and counseling
• All FDA approved prescription birth control methods, devices and supplies
• Non-prescription, over-the-counter supplies (condoms, contraceptive cream, foam, film, gel, suppositories
• Sterilization (tubal ligation or vasectomy)

Where do I get Take Charge Services?

In Skagit County you may apply for and receive Take Charge Services through Skagit County Health Department, Island Hospital and Mount Baker Planned Parenthood.

Skagit County Public Health Department 700 S 2nd Street Mt Vernon, WA 98273 360-416-1500 For all ages by appointment, and walk-ins welcome based on availability. Monday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Tuesday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. East County Teen Clinic 45770 Main St. Concrete, WA 98273 (360) 853-7009 Walk-in clinic for Teens through 20 years-old 1st Wednesday & 4th Tuesday of the month 2-4:30 PM Island Hospital Anacortes Teen Clinic 2601 M. Ave. Suite C Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 299-6973 Walk-in Clinic for teens through 20 years old Every Wednesday and Thursday 2-5 PM Mount Baker Planned Parenthood 900 E. College Way, Suite 120 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 848-1744 By appointment only Sea Mar Clinic 1400 N. LaVenture Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 428-4075 By appointment only United Teen Clinic 2241 Hospital Drive Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 (360) 982-8098 Walk-in clinic for Teens through 20 years old Every Monday 2-5 PM

Skagit County Public Health will release your medical information to you or any agency that you designate after receiving your completed Authorization for Exchange of Information application. Return the completed application to us along with the appropriate fee prior to us releasing your information.

Please contact Skagit County Public Health at (360) 416-1500 to determine the correct fee as our prices do vary. There is no fee for releasing medical records to doctor’s offices, or immunization records to schools.

Authorization for Exchange of Information application | Español

For everything you want to know about pregnancy, STD prevention, family planning, reproductive health and more: www.teenhealthandthemedia.net

Emergency Contraception and Information: www.not-2-late.com or call 1-888-NOT 2 LATE