$1M Investment Improves Students Access To Womens Health Services - Patch

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Leaders in Howard County have unveiled a major investment in expanded reproductive health services, committing $1 million in funding in a three-year-period to ensure that students at Howard Community College have improved access to care.

"Reproductive health care has become weaponized across our country, especially since the repeal of Roe v. Wade. As county executive, I will continue to unequivocally support the right for women to use their own voices and make their own choices for their reproductive health care and family planning needs. The program we are announcing today will prioritize preventative reproductive care for women and increase healthcare services for all," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said.

Under a pilot program being established through a partnership between HCC and the Howard County Health Department, the expanded HCC clinic will be open longer hours, offer telemedicine services; a full complement of contraception; treatment of sexually transmitted infections; access to medical termination options and more.

The services will be phased in over several months, and Ball said at a news conference Thursday that the county will continue to look for ways to protect residents in the post-Roe environment.

Within several months, services added to the clinic will include:

• Well woman visits (gynecological and breast exams);
• Full complement of contraception, including long acting reversible contraception;
• Expanded days and hours, and
• Additional health care providers and designation as a federal Title X Family Planning Program to provide individuals with comprehensive family planning and preventative health services.

Within several months, services added to the clinic will include:

• Well woman visits (gynecological and breast exams);
• Full complement of contraception, including long acting reversible contraception;
• Expanded days and hours, and
• Additional health care providers and designation as a federal Title X Family Planning Program to provide individuals with comprehensive family planning and preventative health services.

"In my own experience, I was just two steps away from having to stop my education when I became pregnant as a college student. Every day, I walked across campus and no one saw me or helped me," said Dr. Daria J. Willis, president of Howard Community College. "My goal is to ensure every student is seen, and when they're seen, there is someone there and the resources available to support them. I am so proud that Howard Community College will partner with Howard County to expand reproductive and sexual health services and provide our students with care when they need it most."

Dr. Kelly Russo, medical director for the Howard County Health Department, said the health department looks forward to working with Howard Community College to expand sexual and reproductive health services at HCC's Wellness Center.

"This pilot expansion program will provide greater access and increased services to students, thus contributing to a healthier community," Russo said.

Ball was joined by Howard County State's Attorney Rich Gibson at the news conference who outlined his office's approach to treatment of cases related to abortion access following the U.S. Supreme Court Decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"We understand how important and deeply personal this issue is and we believe in protecting a woman's fundamental right to make her own health care choices," Gibson said. "As such, our office will not engage in any action that would impede a person's ability to pursue the reproductive options they desire. Under state law, access to abortion remains protected and we are committed to upholding that law."