HCAP Interns Will Make it Happen!

This year, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates and Association have been collaborating to implement the "Health Center Advocacy Program" (HCAP) across the state. This program, which is also finding its footing nationwide, seeks to promote Planned Parenthood's health, educational, and advocacy services; and does so through a two-fold model that has found success in states that have already initiated HCAP models. The model presented by HCAP programs incorporates both "in-center" and "community-based" approaches to promoting Planned Parenthood's services, allowing for a variety of opportunities for people and groups to get involved. Additionally, HCAP seeks to establish a supporter base that reflects the diversity of those within our communities- providing a more accurate representation of the varying groups of people who utilize our services.

The HCAP program is of huge importance to the Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania, which is why the 2013 Summer Internship is directed at its implementation and expansion across the state. 13 interns are currently placed statewide to assist public affairs and health center staff members in health center tabling, door-to-door canvassing, and event promotion. This work is undeniably some of the most important work we are doing this year, and will be crucial in our abilities to increase supporter numbers, raise awareness about our health services, and maintain our status as a trusted healthcare provider and messenger in local communities. Without the help of our 13 brilliantly engaged interns, it would be difficult to implement and expand the program in the midst of an impending election cycle and continuous attacks from Planned Parenthood opponents. We are so thrilled to have every single one of these great young leaders on board!

Last week, we held the 2013 HCAP Internship Action Camp at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. This was a chance for all of the interns to meet each other and Planned Parenthood staff, learn more about the organization, and become familiar with the type of actions they will be taking this summer to ensure HCAP remains a priority not only internally, but throughout the many communities that we serve. Action Camp was a great success, not only because of the great organization that went into its planning and execution, but also because of the intelligent and dynamic individuals who make up our current intern-teams. In my two years with Planned Parenthood, I'm not sure I've met a more competent and engaged group of interns; and I am truly excited to see what comes of your work this summer. Planned Parenthood is lucky to have each and every one of you on the public policy team, but so are the individuals and communities that you are helping to serve! Here's to a great summer, with great interns, and great health center advocacy work. Cheers! 

--Lindsey Mauldin, Manager of Health Center Advocacy and Data Programs