Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111442

Anna Garcia¹, Terri L. Walsh, MPH², and Ron Frezieres, MSPH¹. (1) Research, California Family Health Council, Inc, 3600 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90010, 213-386-5614, garciaa@cfhc.org, (2) Research Division, California Family Health Council, Inc, 3600 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Undaunted by FDA postponement of over-the-counter access to emergency contraceptive (EC) pills, Valentine's Day 2005 marked the launch of a major billboard campaign promoting emergency contraception directly to millions of Californians. 150 community billboards, funded by the California Family Health Council, pictured a worried couple's feet drooping over the bedside with the message "prevent pregnancy after sex." The billboards offered free EC pills to hundreds of hotline callers. Over the past 5 years, the Emergency Contraception Initiative has built a directory of 400 EC providers to support California EC Hotline referrals. Cooperating providers receive free technical assistance, resources, client education and promotion materials, to make real the promise of free, "easy" access to EC. These providers are kept current on evidence based policies and practices, which support expanded access to EC. EC providers and Hotline callers have contributed valuable insight into improving EC access. More providers (9%) now report offering EC up to 120 hours after sex. 60% of providers take walk-ins and 34% give EC in advance of need as part of a comprehensive contraceptive package. Finally, the growing number of male callers (27%) to the EC Hotline shows how men are responding to the EC message. Approximately 5% of providers already dispense/prescribe EC to male partners. Access to EC is definitely improving but there is still a ways to go before EC pills are as available as condoms. The presentation will feature proven strategies for promoting EC services and expanding public awareness, including visual media examples.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Evaluate and support the assertion that condoms and emergency contraception (EC) should be equally accessible.
• 2. Identify EC policies and practices implemented by providers to improve access and expedite referral.
• 3. Develop strategies to expand the network of local EC providers supporting expanded access and available to refer EC Hotline callers.
• 4. Examine the lessons learned from a local EC Hotline and promotion campaign.

Keywords: Community Outreach, Contraception

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.