County Family Planning Services Saved

CREST HAVEN — Freeholder Gerald Thornton announced on Mon., Sept. 13 that the county Health Department will continue to receive state funds, enabling it to offer family planning services for thousands of Cape May County residents.
“Family planning’s health programs provide essential services to teens and young adults, including family planning and access to contraception, cancer and sexually-transmitted disease screening, and counseling and education,” Thornton said. “We are pleased that the State of New Jersey is able to continue funding for these services through the Cape May County Department of Health.”
The county Department of Health has offered family planning services for county residents since 1995.
“The State Department of Health and Senior Services recognizes that our family planning clinic is the only place that teens, low income, and uninsured women and men can access care and obtain contraception, counseling, education, screenings, and treatment,” Health Officer Kevin Thomas said.
There is no charge for teens 18 years and younger and a nominal fee based on income parameters for persons 19 years and older.
“The County’s family planning services are unique in that apart from providing quality care at an affordable cost, staff perform risk assessments with teens. Parental involvement is encouraged, but at the same time, confidentiality is ensured, thus providing a safe haven for teens,” said Thomas.
“The persistent efforts of our local legislators, family planning staff, and client support were very important in negotiating with the State and having them recognize the valuable contribution and quality care that is being provided to the residents of Cape May County, as well as the negative impact if these services were no longer available,” Thornton added.
Additional information on the County’s family planning services is available at www.cmchealth.net.