“The way I see it, we’re doing the most important work in the world,” says Susan Buchanan, Executive Director. “If we can prevent unintended pregnancies, we help prevent so many other social issues, too.”
Women’s Health (Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center) – a grantee of the Community Foundation – provides a range of reproductive and sexual health services and education for all people, regardless of gender or gender identity, age, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, income level, insurance status, or immigration status.
“The way I see it, we’re doing the most important work in the world,” says Susan Buchanan, Executive Director. “If we can prevent unintended pregnancies, we help prevent so many other social issues, too.
“Unintended pregnancy is a top predictor of poverty, child abuse, not completing your education, not forming stable relationships…all are connected to this one issue. The good news is that we know how to fix it, we have a preventive strategy, and we know who’s most vulnerable.”
In 2007, Women’s Health was the first clinic to participate in what became the Colorado Family Planning Initiative – a program that educates providers and increases access to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.
Between 2009 and 2014, both the birth rate and the abortion rate fell a whopping 48% among Colorado women ages 15-19 as a result of the program.
“It’s always challenging to quantify what didn’t happen,” notes Susan. “But tracking the results of the Colorado Family Planning Initiative proved that our work is transforming the lives of thousands of women.
“So it’s all the more disappointing today, that we’re still having to justify our existence. If Title X Family Planning gets defunded, 60% of women who access their healthcare through a Title X clinic will be impacted.”
Indeed, Susan points out that – beyond teen pregnancy prevention – these clinics also provide preventive screenings, Paps, health exams and more.
“The other threat we face is rolling back the Medicaid expansion,” continues Susan. “That was a game-changer. With the expansion, our clients went from 20% insured to 60% insured. Rolling it back would undermine our progress due to the Affordable Care Act.”
In response, Susan says her first priority is maintaining a strong workforce. “As a leader, my most important job is to mitigate anxiety and despair in the face of setbacks, and to set the tone that we can do this.
“I’m also thinking through how we can streamline our services, to prioritize the biggest areas of unmet needs.”
Adds Susan, “Having a smart and savvy board is also important, for their advice and wisdom if tough choices need to be made. Our board is very committed to continuing to provide our whole range of services to Boulder County residents and beyond.
“When push comes to shove, I believe compassion – and understanding the impact of potential unintended consequences – will prevail. In the meantime, advocacy works. And we rely on the support of our community more than ever.”
