Planned Parenthood office open in Johnson City

UPDATE: Jan. 5

 A national women's health organization, known for it's involvement in abortion rights issues, now has an office in the Tri-Cities region.  

Planned Parenthood opened its doors in Johnson City this past Monday, and it’s a first for the Tri-Cities.

"We think it's really important especially in these tough economic times that women have access to essential health care services that Planned Parenthood provides,” says President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee Jeff Teague. “Those services include life saving cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STDs."

The office is inside a women's health center called Shakti in the Mountains on Unaka Avenue.

“Having access to birth control, information about that birth control, ability to afford that birth control, ability to afford medication for STDs, being tested for HIV," lists Dr. Amber Kinser, professor of Women’s Studies and Communications at ETSU, of all the services she thinks the Tri-Cities will benefit from.

"Planned Parenthood isn't just sort of a run of the mill medical facility. It is an open, warming, affirming environment that is non-judgmental."

But at least one pro-life advocate disagrees. "It's not the message that I receive that the community is asking for, not the kind of help I feel that they're wanting," says Angie Odom with Abortion Alternative and Women’s Center who adds that it’s one of Planned Parenthood's pregnancy options that concerns her.

"What troubles me the most of course is abortion and how it's connected to Planned Parenthood. I do believe in not only standing up for the life of the child but also believe in standing up for the life of the young lady," Odom said.

"No community worth its salt doesn't have Planned Parenthood or the kinds of services it provides,” says Kinser.

Planned Parenthood will only be opened on Mondays for the time being. Until now - the closest Planned Parenthood office in Tennessee was in Knoxville.

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Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee (PPMET) announced the opening of a new satellite health center in Johnson City yesterday.

Along with existing health centers in Knoxville and Nashville, the organization said the new Johnson City location will provide the important preventative health care that has made Planned Parenthood the most trusted name in reproductive health.

Services will include affordable cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STDs, breast health services, pap tests, sexual health education and information.

“We are excited to bring Planned Parenthood’s vital services to the Tri-Cities. In these tough economic times, more women than ever need access to essential health care services. We look forward to working with other organizations in the community to expand access,” said Jeff Teague, President and CEO of PPMET. “Our caring and professional staff has been providing care in East Tennessee since the 1960’s. Our clients rely on us for confidential, accurate, and non-judgmental information and health counseling. We are proud to open our doors in the Tri- Cities.”

The new clinic, located at 409 East Unaka Avenue, will also provide free HIV testing and pregnancy tests. The clinic will be open one day per week. To make an appointment and for further information, please call Planned Parenthood at 423.504.4447.