NORWICH – Family Planning of South Central New York has purchased a long vacant building in downtown Norwich. The former Ray Cooley Real Estate office situated at 5 Cortland Street will soon be home to the local health care organization which specializes in family planning, quality, affordable reproductive health care, and prevention and wellness.
Family Planning is currently remodeling the building to create a state-of-the-art health center which will include medical examination rooms and a private office for the educator to meet with clients. In addition, the building will be handicapped accessible.
Family Planning expects to complete renovations and move into its new home in January 2014.
Chief Executive Officer Debra Marcus said, “The purchase and renovation of this building represents our continued commitment to Norwich, to the revitalization of its downtown, and to the health of its residents for years to come.”
To fund renovations, Family Planning is seeking private donations and grants. Donors have the opportunity to have their names on a permanent plaque in the building or to have rooms or even the building named after them.
Family Planning has been part of the Norwich community since 1971, when it was originally located in the Chenango County office building. It recently changed it’s name to mark disaffiliation from its former parent organization, Planned Parenthood.
Last year, Family Planning in Norwich provided 2,134 patient visits, including 990 cancer screenings, 570 STD tests, and 312 HIV tests. Services offered include birth control, annual exams, and life saving cancer screenings to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Its new location will be more accessible to patients and will decrease overhead costs.
Any community members interested in making a donation are encouraged to contact Director of Development, Mary Robinson, at 607-723-5130, ext. 216.
More information can be found online at fpscny.org or by contacting the local office directly at 334-6378.