La Salle County Health Department to support those in need of services after Ottawa Planned Parenthood closes

La Salle County officials expressed concern and surprise over the plan to close Planned Parenthood’s Ottawa location in March, but they announced that they are working to help people affected by the loss of services in the region.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois announced that it will close four health centers in March, including locations in Ottawa, Decatur, Bloomington and Englewood in Chicago.

The Ottawa location provided services including abortion medication (not in-clinic), a variety of birth control options, emergency contraception, HIV services, pregnancy testing and planning, STD testing and treatment, consultations, vaccines and general wellness care.

The La Salle County Health Department reassured the community that it would continue to support those in need of reproductive health services.

“We were surprised to hear about the unfortunate loss of services in our community,” said Jenny Barrie, public information officer at the La Salle County Health Department.

The health department offers patients sexually transmitted infection testing, pregnancy testing and consultations. Barrie said the department also would assist with referrals to other health care providers and clinics in the region.

“While we are not a full-scale clinic, we offer similar services and are working to connect clients with area providers for additional care if needed,” Barrie said.

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, called the closure a setback for health care access in the Illinois Valley.

In a statement, Briel acknowledged the expanded mail-order services from Planned Parenthood but emphasized the overall effect of reduced health care options in rural areas.

“The closure of the Ottawa facility is a setback for overall health care in our community,” Briel said. “Illinois Valley communities have seen a number of critical health care providers close or reduce services.”

In response, Briel recently introduced the Rural Hospital Task Force Act to address recent closures and other challenges facing rural health care, including low patient volume, high fixed costs and a reliance on public payers.

If the bill is passed, a task force will be established to investigate the current state of rural hospitals while potentially providing legislative action to prevent further closures.

For now, Planned Parenthood announced that patients from the closed locations will be welcomed at 13 other Planned Parenthood health centers across the state, with expanded availability at the Champaign, Peoria, Springfield and Roseland centers.

Planned Parenthood also is planning to increase access to virtual care through telehealth appointments and the PPDirect app.

Patients using the app will be able to complete a health questionnaire reviewed by a Planned Parenthood medical professional. Those who qualify will receive medication by mail or be scheduled for an in-person appointment at one of the group’s locations that remain open.

The health department is located at 717 E. Etna Road, Ottawa. Go to lasallecountyil.gov/219/Health-Department or call 815-433-3366 for more information.