November 2020, Issue 11
This newsletter was developed (in part) with federal funds from the Office of Population Affairs. For more information on the rules and regulations that apply to our programs, please visit
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Wyoming Health Council contributes to health and well-being for all, where we grow, live, learn, work and play. |
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While all elections have consequences, the outcome of the 2020 presidential election will shape many health issues of importance to women for years to come. The Wyoming Health Council has been encouraging everyone to get out and VOTE this year and know the issues at stake! Here are just a few!
THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Currently the Affordable Care Act provides coverage for millions of women in the US. To date, all plans must include maternity care, no-cost recommended preventive services, including mammograms, prenatal and well women care and contraceptive services and supplies. Those who are Medicare beneficiaries also benefit from no-cost coverage for preventive services recommended for older women such as mammograms and bone density testing. The Affordable Care Act also continues to protect those with pre-existing health conditions, including pregnancy. If the ACA was to be repealed, over 20 million Americans could loose their health insurance. This would directly affect individuals suffering from pre-existing conditions, young adults, individuals and families with low incomes and continue to exacerbate racial health disparities and inequalities.
AFFORDABLE BIRTH CONTROL ACCESS
The ACA and Medicaid, as well as Title X, provide women with a broad range of contraceptive services. We have seen this year, that despite large public support of contraception, religious employers are now exempt from the federal mandate of providing contraceptive to their employees in their health insurance plans. Loosing affordable access to birth control could cost women hundreds of dollars a year and result in women not using contraception due to cost barriers.
TITLE X
For more than 50 years, Title X family planning programs have provided women, men and youth with access to reproductive health care services, including contraception and STD testing and treatment. Millions of low-income individuals have benefited from this program, but the government continues to reduce or freeze funds to the Title X program. The government also finalized and implemented the Title X Domestic Gag Rule in March 2019, "an estimated 981 U.S. clinics receiving Title X funding—approximately one-quarter of all sites that received Title X funding as of June 2019—likely left the Title X network because of the gag rule." The attacks on Title X are attacks on the American people who deserve comprehensive, affordable health care and family planning to aid them in being productive members of families and society.
Please make sure you VOTE on November 3, and regardless of the outcome, continue to fight for the women, men and youth of America who need their voices to be heard and an opportunity to have health equality!
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According to the CDC current contraceptive study, "nearly all women use contraception in their lifetime!" Using contraception allows people to plan for a family on their own terms and gives them the power to decide their own destinies.
That being said, Wyoming continues to experience a teenage birth rate two to three percent higher than the national average. In a study of U.S. "rural teens who were sexually active, 37% reported needing sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing or treatment but not receiving it, and 50% reported needing reproductive health services but not receiving them."
The Wyoming Health Council continues to work towards making access to affordable birth control possible and expanding reproductive health services to the people of Wyoming. The WHC hopes to expand its clinics throughout Wyoming and continues to promote and educate individuals on family planning!
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How well do you know your birth control? |
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Get out your sweats, put on football or your favorite holiday movie, get the games out, and get your food on, it's Thanksgiving time! |
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Holidays have taken a hard hit this year due to COVID and Thanksgiving is no exception. While we are used to big family gatherings on Thanksgiving, the CDC is recommending smaller gatherings or none at all this year.
Keeping it small? Try ordering out from your local restaurant or getting creative with your food and trying a thanksgiving breakfast instead. If you do have over family be sure to wear your masks and if the weather is good, try hosting Thanksgiving outside.
Keeping yourself and your family members safe? Get your Zoom on! Make sure grandma and grandpa are set up and have them join dinner social distance style. Set up your computer or iPad or phone in the kitchen and have a cook along, or try Pictionary or a virtual dance party.
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The winter holidays are here and what better way to support your local Title X than by giving a donation!
Your $10 donation could..
provide a woman with birth control pills for a year
Your $25 donation could...
provide a preconception health visit including education and screenings to support the healthiest outcomes for the intended pregnancy
Your $50 donation could...
provide a birth control device that lasts 6 years which can allow a woman to focus on college and her career
or
provide an annual exam to include breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings
Any investment in the health of a client can transform their family for generations!
Click
to Donate Today!
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WYOMING HEALTH COUNCIL
400 East First St, Suite 313
Casper, WY 82601
Call Us: (307) 439-2033
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