Health Care Reform

Hundreds Attend Planned Parenthood and BET Networks Breast Party Ever Event in Atlanta


Joint Initiative Raises Awareness About Breast Health in Young Women, as Nearly 12 Million Women of Reproductive Age Become Newly Eligible for More Affordable Health Insurance

Atlanta, GA–(ENEWSPF)–October 7, 2013.  On Saturday, October 5, hundreds of supporters in Atlanta joined Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks for the Breast Party Ever — a community event to raise awareness about the importance of breast health in women ages 20 to 40. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and also coincides with the beginning of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act, where nearly 12 million women of reproductive age are now eligible to enroll in more affordable health insurance. All plans will cover preventive care, including breast exams without a co-pay.

To see photos from the event, visit WireImage.

Hosted by actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, the Breast Party Ever brought together women, girlfriends, entertainers, medical providers, and community leaders to help women take charge of their health through breast cancer education and early detection.

Planned Parenthood’s new Board of Advocates member and Celebrity Ambassador Tasha Smith encouraged the crowd to become advocates in their communities, and educate others on the importance of taking charge of their health. There were additional performances by legendary hip hop artist and philanthropist Doug E. Fresh, R&B artist Mylah, and music by D-Nice.

“Because of Obamacare, millions more women will have access to preventive health care like breast cancer screenings,” said Planned Parenthood Southeast President Staci Fox. To help women learn more about the law and how to enroll in new health insurance plans, Planned Parenthood launched a new web resource this week, PlannedParenthoodHealthInsuranceFacts.org. “We’ve come together to celebrate this historic moment and to redouble our commitment to make sure that as many women as possible are able to get high-quality, affordable health care.”

“I’m so honored and excited to be here,” said actor Tasha Smith, Planned Parenthood celebrity ambassador and Board of Advocates member, who stars in Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse and Why Did I Get Married? “When I grew up Planned Parenthood was there for me. And, when I started out as an actress, like many young professionals, I did not have health insurance so guess where I went – to Planned Parenthood for my annual exams.”

“Making sure that young people have the information and support they need to live happy, healthy lives is one of my deepest passions,” said actor Keshia Knight Pulliam. “That’s why I am a huge supporter of Planned Parenthood. One of the most important things women can do in their lives is take charge of their health.  That’s especially important when it comes to our breast health – you can really never start too early.”

Planned Parenthood health centers provide 640,000 breast cancer screenings each year, and one in five women has turned to Planned Parenthood for health care at some point in her life. Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses offer clinical breast exams at Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide. Planned Parenthood also encourages women to become their own best breast health experts — to learn if they may be at risk, to know what to watch out for, and to get regular screenings.

More information about Planned Parenthood’s breast health initiative can be found at www.plannedparenthoodbreastcare.org.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 750 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

Source: plannedparenthood.org

 


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