Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood Joins Reproductive Health Community in Applauding Gillibrand Appointment

ALBANY, NY (01/23/2009)(readMedia)-- Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) joined family planning providers across the state in applauding Governor Paterson's appointment of Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand to the United States Senate. "Kirsten Gillibrand truly understands how important it is to women and families to have access to affordable, quality health care," said Patricia McGeown, UHPP President/CEO. "In these difficult economic times, she will be a persistent and effective advocate for preventive health care, for health care education and for access to reproductive health and choice for all New Yorkers."

M. Tracey Brooks, President and CEO of Family Planning Advocates of New York State, concurred. "We're confident," stated Brooks, "that all New Yorkers will soon learn what those in upstate New York know: Kirsten Gillibrand is a fighter for women and families. She is knowledgeable, tough and effective-just what we need in a partner for Chuck Schumer in the U.S. Senate."

Congresswoman Gillibrand has worked for greater affordability and access to health care for people of all ages; middle-class tax cuts; economic stimulus to the state's economy and greater benefits for our war veterans. "Clearly, Kirsten Gillibrand knows that keeping the nation's citizens healthy and financially stable is the way to make our state and nation healthy and economically sound," said McGeown. Hillary Rodham Clinton was a true champion for reproductive health and choice. In Kirsten Gillibrand, New York has another outstanding fighter for women and families."

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood is a community-based non-profit organization providing advocacy, education and medical services for reproductive health care in the capital region since 1934. The agency provided health care services to 12,000 patients each year at health centers serving Albany, Columbia, Greene and Rensselaer Counties and presented over 500 education programs reaching over 7,000 youth and young adults in 2007. UHPP services are delivered with special concern for the underserved.

Family Planning Advocates of New York State is a non-profit, statewide organization dedicated to protecting and expanding access to the full range of reproductive health care services. It represents New York's Planned Parenthood affiliates and other family planning centers, as well as hundreds of organizations and thousands of individual members.

-30-