Shop Chats: Talking About Black Maternal Health
In honor of Black History Month, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri is hosting a pop-up discussion on Black maternal health. We are deeply concerned with rising maternal mortality rates for Black women in Missouri, and we want to bring the community together to discuss solutions.
This event is co-hosted by Progressive Emporium, a Black-owned and -operated bookstore and community space. We've invited members of the Missouri State House Special Committee on Urban Issues, including Chairwoman Rep. Raychel Proudie, Rep. Wiley Price IV and Rep. Kevin Windham, as well as State Sen. Brian Williams, to speak about efforts to improve maternal health and how Missourians can support them. There will be an opportunity to share stories and envision what policies and community supports are needed to transform Black maternal health. We hope to end the conversation with next steps to move forward.
This event is free & open to all, including kids. Please RSVP!
Stand With Planned Parenthood in Columbia
Last February, arson briefly closed the Columbia health center. Thanks to the dedicated staff, patient care resumed in one week and the health center remains an important part of the Columbia health care community.
Sign onto this letter to show your support for the staff and patients of the Columbia health center!
Recap: Teen Advocates for Sexual Health (TASH) Lobby Day
The fourth annual Teen Advocates for Sexual Health (TASH) Lobby Day swept through Jefferson City with a wave of informed, passionate meetings led by young people discussing the issues that impact them. Forty students drew on their own stories and the education they receive as members of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri's TASH program to advocate for their communities.
A team of seven brilliant student leaders partnered with policy staff for months to plan the day, train their peers, and prepare to lead small lobby day teams. The student-led teams traversed the Capitol, visiting their own legislators and other targeted decision-makers across the political spectrum. They discussed three bills to advance sex education, advocate for LGBTQ-friendly public schools, and oppose extreme gerrymandering schemes that specifically disenfranchise young people.
See more highlights from the day on our Facebook page!
Next Week: Reproductive Freedom Lobby Day!
Join us for a day of advocacy and camaraderie as Planned Parenthood supporters from across the state gather in Jefferson City for Reproductive Freedom Lobby Day on Tuesday, March 3.
Meeting with state lawmakers face-to-face is an important way to show the power of our movement. All advocates are welcome, whether this will be your first or 500th trip to the Capitol!
Don’t see an event near you? Email [email protected] and we’ll get you set up!
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