Oklahoma City, OK - This week, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma will celebrate its platinum anniversary, commemorating the courage of early civic leaders and the exceptional services provided to the community over the years. 

 

On June 11, 1937, the vision of a handful of community members led by Mrs. Virgil Browne became a reality with the opening of the Maternal Health Center in downtown Oklahoma City. The first family planning clinic in the area served three women during its first official day of business. By its first anniversary, the Center had served 985 patients.

 

“Mrs. Browne was not deterred at all by what others might think about her support of Oklahoma’s first birth control clinic,” said Anita Fream, Chief Executive Officer of the present-day organization. “Because of her courage and strong convictions, we’ve had 75 years of women’s—and men’s—reproductive health services in our communities.”

 

Today, nearly 9,700 women and men depend on Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma annually for high-quality, affordable reproductive health care that includes life-saving cancer screenings; family planning and contraception; and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Thousands more Oklahoma men, women and teens participate in its nationally-recognized educational programs and public outreach events.

 

It is no exaggeration to suggest that during its 75 years of growth from the Maternal Health Center to its present identity as Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, this organization has served its communities well with life-saving, medically-accurate information and the best in reproductive health care.

 

To celebrate this special anniversary, during the week of June 11, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma will offer several specials in its five area health centers: special pricing on its “Peace of Mind” package, which includes testing for the most common sexually transmitted infections; “buy three, get one free” for many birth control brands; and reduced-price annual exams.

 

“As we celebrate our platinum anniversary, we are taking some special time to reflect on the courage and foresight of the community leaders who listened to Margaret Sanger back in 1937,” said Fream. “They brought her message of empowerment for women and families to the Oklahoma City area. Things are not so different today, with new challenges to the right for individuals to use contraception in planning their families. The need is still there, and as long as that’s true, we hope Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma continues to have the privilege of helping.”

 

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 405-528-2157 today!