Sad news that Planned Parenthood in Durango is planning to close indefinitely, suspending clinic services on Sept. 6. The national nonprofit and its well-loved local employees are known for providing exceptional health care to anyone who needs it.
Something that Planned Parenthood does very well – it attracts compassionate, committed providers. Young people, especially, respond to them.
We sure hope Planned Parenthood can make a go of it here with renewed support. Yet, if the national model can’t endure in Durango, it’s time to expand the conversation to what kind of clinic would be viable, with our unique needs, location and Southwestern sensibilities.
First, consider the job for a lead nurse practitioner that has been advertised for eight months with no takers. Obvious possible reasons – steady harassment from picketers outside the clinic; remoteness of the region; lack of housing; or just more provider positions open than can be filled.
The wage between $44 and $61 per hour, depending on experience, plus a $6,000 sign-on bonus, is competitive, according to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains CEO Adrienne Mansanares.
But if no one suitable can be hired after many months, it’s actually not competitive. At least not here. For starters, the hourly pay has to increase.
This ties in with working conditions and employees’ schedules, which must match the needs of a rural health care clinic. Flexibility is key as Durango’s clinic employed both full- and part-time professionals, partly based on patient scheduling.
This scheduling was centralized, so a call to the local clinic rang elsewhere. An organizational structure drawback. Some would say, a headache.
Since the fall of Roe, Durango’s place on the map – northwest of Texas, east of Utah and southeast of Idaho – contributes to unpredictable scheduling. Each of these states have challenging to draconian state abortion laws. So patients travel here for care.
The Durango clinic had a rhythm with routine care for its regulars. But abortion care is less reliable. Who will show up on any given day? Again, patients have to schedule through a centralized, regulatory system.
Numbers show need with 1,200 patients visiting the clinic annually and 600 patients so far this year – 18% of them from out of state. These figures may – or may not – rate for a staff of full-timers but, nonetheless, don’t lessen the requirement for services.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that movers and shakers in our community recognize the importance of Planned Parenthood staying open. Or a private clinic like it. Philanthropists, health care providers, concerned community members and patients are putting their heads together, discussing bold solutions.
One possible donor, anonymous at the moment, has suggested a $100,000 contribution with the intention of attracting more funding. This isn’t all. Any idea is on the table.
Any housing leads? How adequate is security at the clinic? What other resources or positions or volunteer efforts are best?
Or – the kicker – should a different organization take over so the clinic can be under local control?
At the very least, this community group is delivering hope.
Politically speaking, the timing is fortuitous.
A longtime advocate for reproductive rights, Vice President Kamala Harris will make abortion a major feature in her presidential campaign.
Third Congressional District Democratic candidate Adam Frisch has shifted his message, turning to abortion to win in November against Republican Jeff Hurd.
If the clinic closes, patients will have to go to Cortez or Farmington for abortions.
Other health care services that could go away are equally concerning. Wellness checks and exams, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and the dispensing of contraceptives.
Yes, these services are available at La Plata County Public Health or Axis Health System. But Planned Parenthood’s patients are partial to its care. Again, in particular, young people.
In its waiting room, you will find patients from all walks of life, including those who step outside their workplace provider networks.
We appreciate locals meeting to find a fix, as they understand what would work best here. If a new organization is a better fit and takes the reins, that’s fine, too.
Just as long as all people – no matter who they are – continue to receive reproductive health care provided with the compassion we’ve experienced at Planned Parenthood in Durango.
