NORWICH – With a new name and a new home in downtown Norwich, Family Planning of South Central New York was ushered into the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony held on Friday.
Family Planning, formerly Planned Parenthood located on the second floor inside the Eaton Center in Norwich, is now located at 5 Cortland St., offering the same services it always has. The agency's new home has undergone a complete renovation in preparation for the move and now, with a more visible and more inviting location, the staff at Family Planning ready to continue serving the community, said Family Planning's Chief Executive Officer Debra Marcus.
“We believe it's important for us to be more visible and accessible,” said Marcus. “The Norwich community has always been supportive and welcoming of us, and we're happy to be able to stay here in the community.”
Family Planning is a New York State Department of Health certified organization that offers a range of affordable reproductive health care services, including cancer screenings, rapid HIV and other STD testing, and pregnancy and contraception services. In addition, the agency offers a variety of education programs that encompass teen services and adoption resources.
Free or discounted services may be available to those who are income eligible, Marcus noted.
“Lack of insurance and income should never be a barrier to health care. If people do not have Medicaid or health insurance, we will help them anyway,” she added.
Although Family Planning is committed to abortion rights, Marcus said the Norwich based organization does not provide abortion services due to limited resources. Moreover, according to the Family Planning of South Central website, the organization does not wish to duplicate services already available within the community.
Family Planning has been in Norwich since 1971 and typically sees more than 20,000 visits per year. But having never occupied a building of its own, much of the its resources were spent on rental facilities, explained Marcus. “What's good about having our own building is once it is paid off, we can put more funds toward patient care,” she added.
“We are always glad to see idol properties be put to good use,” commented Commerce Chenango President and CEO Steve Craig, who was present for the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Having them here really makes for a more vibrant downtown.”
Added City Mayor Joseph Maiurano, “We are very fortunate to have (Family Planning) located downtown. The work they do is really an important asset to the entire county.”
Family Planning of South Central New York maintains five centers across four counties in the Southern Tier, including Chenango, Broome, Otsego and Delaware counties.
Anyone wishing to schedule an appointment is encouraged to contact the Family Planning of South Central Norwich office ahead of time. For more information, visit Family Planning's website at www.fpscny.org.