About Us
The Texas Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates (TAPPA) is the statewide public affairs office for Planned Parenthood in Texas. Our mission is to promote and secure public policies that protect and expand access to medical care and information people need to plan their families and their futures.
We advocate for freedom of choice at the Texas Legislature and keep thousands of activists around the state informed about what is going on in the Capital City and around the state. TAPPA is committed to ensuring the right and ability of all individuals to manage their sexual and reproductive health and to make informed and responsible choices by providing health services, education and advocacy.
Medical Services
Each year in our state, approximately 300,000 women and men turn to Planned Parenthood for their reproductive and general health care needs. Our 85 clinic sites in Texas provide comprehensive services that include the following:
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Routine gynecological check-ups, including Pap smears, pelvic exams and breast exams; diagnosis and treatment for vaginal and urinary tract infections;
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Screening and diagnosis for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for men and women;
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HIV testing, counseling and referrals for men and women;
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Screenings for hypertension, anemia and cholesterol and referrals for other medical and social services;
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Abnormal cervical cell diagnosis and treatment (colposcopy and cryotherapy);
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All FDA-approved birth control methods, including emergency contraception;
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Midlife services for menopausal women;
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Services for men, including vasectomies and testicular screenings;
A large majority of Planned Parenthood clients have income levels at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For many Texans, Planned Parenthood is their only source of health care.
Education and Community Services
Planned Parenthood advocates and provides sexual education. Our community health education departments offer resource libraries stocked with books, periodicals, videos and brochures for the general public. Community health educators provide workshops and presentations to the public at large about abstinence, sexuality, teen pregnancy, HIV prevention, communication skills and a range of other topics related to sexual health. We work with a variety of community partners, such as school districts, faith-based organizations, other health care providers, and civic-minded organizations.
Advocacy
TAPPA launched a statewide office in Austin in Fall 2002 to provide a unified voice for Planned Parenthood affiliates and clinics. We work to protect freedom of choice in Texas by lobbying at the Texas Legislature and motivating and educating activists from around the state. We encourage Texans to stay informed about current challenges to freedom of choice in Texas and share their opinions with their elected officials. To join the Planned Parenthood Action Network, click here.
Funding
Funding for Planned Parenthood comes from a wide range of sources:
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Private donations and grants;
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Patient fees;
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Government funds (Titles V, X, XIX, XX).
