In an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) is taking steps to protect its patients and staff. Beginning Monday, March 23, all PPIL services will be temporarily consolidated to six health centers.
The Flossmoor facility at 19831 Governors Highway will remain open.
PPIL will also have services at two Chicago locations, and in Aurora, Springfield and Peoria.
Some of the six health centers across the state will have expanded days and times to accommodate the needs of all patients. PPIL staff from other health centers will work out of the six consolidated health centers for the next few weeks in order to best serve patients and alleviate staff overload.
“As an essential health care provider, we are equally committed to caring for our patients and keeping our teams safe and healthy. We are making daily health and safety assessments and will update our plans accordingly,” PPIL officials said in a news release. “This is strictly a temporary measure and PPIL hopes to be back at normal operation as soon as it is safe to do so.”
“Planned Parenthood of Illinois is taking all necessary precautions to keep our staff and patients healthy and well. This temporary consolidation of services is just one part of that,” said Dr. Amy Whitaker, chief medical officer at PPIL. “Patients will still need family planning services and abortion care during this time, and we are committed to providing it.”
PPIL is asking patients who are scheduled for non-essential appointments to postpone their visits until a later date. Patients are also encouraged to use PPIL’s telehealth services, such as Planned Parenthood Direct, which allows patients to order and receive birth control and diagnose and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) with no need to visit a health center. PPIL’s social workers are also offering telephone support to patients, where possible.
PPIL is offering travel assistance to patients who may have difficulty accessing care if their appointment is moved to a different PPIL health center.
For the latest updates on PPIL’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.ppil.org.