Special highlights include the following:

PPSA received a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health – Center for Minority Services for HIV outreach into the African American community. For this grant, PPSA participated in a number of programs and health fairs in the community to promote education, testing, and preven-tion of HIV. Many churches want to make this an annual event because of the success. Coupons for free testing were distributed and ads for HIV classes were placed in the African American newspaper.

PPSA accommodated students for training from: Robert Morris College, Mennonite College, SIU Medical School, SIU Residency Program for Family Practice, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine Residents.

PPSA partnered with SIU Family Practice for the provision of vasec-tomies paid for through the Title X Family Planning Sterilization Grant.

PPSA participated in the March of Dimes Folic Acid Campaign to help prevent birth defects. The free multi-vitamins containing Folic Acid were distributed to all clients of child-bearing age, regardless of contraceptive method, until the supply was depleted.

The Roe v Wade Anniversary was observed by PPSA Staff, Board members, and other volunteers with a "Burma Shave" walk at the Illinois State Capitol, the Old State Capital, and outside PPSA.

A "Walk In Day" was added to the clinic schedule bringing the number of walk ins to three a week. Clients have trouble with transportation and child care and appreciate the flexibility.

March for Women's Lives in Washington, D.C. Staff members, Board members, and other volunteers and supporters were privileged to partici-pate in the March for Women's Lives in Washington D.C.

National HIV Week in June was observed with PPSA offering serum HIV tests free of charge and OraQuick tests at a reduced rate.

Illinois Cervical Cancer Elimination Task Force – Stephani Cox, Patient Services Director, Nurse Practitioner, and Colposcopist was appointed to the task force and serves as the Co-Chair.

A Halloween Condom Giveaway in October promoted a safe Halloween with free Halloween treat bags filled with condoms and candy.

IUD Training – Jill Miller and Stephani Cox, Nurse Practitioners, attended a training for Paragard (IUD) Insertion held at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago.

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