Planned Parenthood Offers FREE Healthy Development Consultations
In an effort to be a resource to parents and young people in the Chaffee County community, Planned Parenthood is offering FREE Healthy Development Consultations during the month of August.
Healthy Development Consultations are visits with Nurse Practitioner Karen Adamson in which she screens for overall general health, mental health and substance abuse, and HPV vaccination. Adamson will also offer extensive education on healthy relationships and development.
“We want all of our young people in Chaffee County to get a healthy start to the school year,” said Shelley Schreiner, Health Center Manager. “That’s why we wanted to offer an opportunity for parents and young people to come to the health center, get the proper screenings and really have a chance to answer questions and give information about healthy relationships, development, and sexuality. We know it can be awkward and difficult for parents and young people to talk to each other about. We want people to know that we are here to help facilitate those conversations and answer any questions that families might have.”
Studies have shown that having parents or other trusted adults involved in decisions about development, reproductive health, and sexuality lead to young people delaying sexual activity and making safer and healthier choices. “That’s why we really encourage every young person that we see to talk openly and honestly about reproductive health issues with their parents or another trusted adult,” said Schreiner. “And that’s why we want parents and other adults to know that they can turn to us with questions or for help in starting the conversation.”
The consultations will be available for free during the month of August. Interested parties should call 719-539-7291 or go online at plannedparenthood.org to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted. The health center is open from 11 AM – 7 PM on Mondays, 9 AM – 3 PM on Tuesdays, and 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays.