We have been hard at work to expand and protect access to sexual and reproductive health care at the federal, state, and local levels.
In San Diego, the Action Fund, as a member organization in the Invest in San Diego Families Coalition, helped to successfully lobby the County of San Diego and secure funding for an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement, Youth Environment & Recreation Corp, and Legal Defense Aid for Immigrants and Refugees.
We are proud to have also led an effort, along with community partners, to establish a doula pilot program for San Diego County. This program will expand access to doulas for people across the country in an effort to support better birth outcomes and fight against maternal health disparities. As we know, Black and Indigenous/Native women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Doulas can significantly improve health outcomes, decrease the amount of C-sections, and lower the rate of epidural and pain medication used. We are grateful that this pilot program has been adopted and are excited to see how access to doula care will increase in the county.
Along with Youth Will, Planned Parenthood also supported efforts in establishing San Diego County’s first free menstrual products program. As a result of the new initiative, called “Free 4 Menstrual Equity,” the County installed 57 free tampon and pad dispensers in 23 county-owned libraries, resource and community centers.
We look forward to continuing to advocate for more resources and opportunities for our communities to be safe, healthy, and to thrive.
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