Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Calls for Further Governmental Collaboration in COVID-19 Relief

MADISON, Wis. – In this unprecedented time, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) understands the necessity of health care, particularly when it comes to Wisconsin’s most vulnerable communities. Now, more than ever, politicians must put partisanship aside and come together for the sake of Wisconsinites all over the state.

Statement from Tanya Atkinson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin:

“As a health care provider that serves more than 60,000 patients each year in 24 health centers across the state, we see every day how existing health disparities are converging with and being magnified by COVID. These inequities have a disproportionate impact on the health, wellbeing, and financial stability of our patients-especially those who are Black, indigenous and people of color.  Nationally, Black people are three times more likely than white people to contract COVID, six times more likely to be hospitalized and twice as likely to die of COVID-19.

“Wisconsin’s health disparities come as no surprise as the state ranked worst in economic inequity last year. Racial justice issues are intersectional by nature and it is vital for Wisconsin’s elected officials to respond to the crises that heighten them.

“In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other events that continue to challenge us, we must redouble our efforts to support our communities that are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic as well as the health disparities created through systemic racism. If there was ever a time that our elected leaders needed to come together it would be now during a pandemic to deliver much-needed relief to communities across our state.

“We thank Governor Evers for his leadership in highlighting important COVID relief that addresses needs within our communities. At Planned Parenthood, we will never give up on our patients and we call on our elected leaders to follow Governor Evers’ lead in delivering COVID relief.”