When I joined Planned Parenthood of Florida, I knew this work would be challenging, but I also knew it would be deeply meaningful. As Planned Parenthood of Florida’s Chief Medical Officer, every day I see how access to health care—and a lack of it—can change lives. And those experiences have helped to underscore just how critical this work is to our communities.

Our story began in 1966 in the basement of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where a small team provided contraception and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a time when both were still deeply stigmatized. Today, we’ve grown into a statewide network. Bigger, better, and bolder than ever with 17 health centers, Telehealth, and more than 350 dedicated employees serving the over 79,000 patients who count on us for compassionate, high-quality, and accessible care.

Everyone should have access health care, especially when it comes to basic services like cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing and treatment. Yet, in Florida, we face relentless political attacks and funding threats designed to strip away that access. These challenges only strengthen my resolve—and the resolve of every person on our team—to keep showing up for our patients.

We’ve expanded our services to meet the needs of our communities, including prenatal care, infertility testing and treatment, mental health counseling, and vasectomies, alongside the essential sexual and reproductive health care that has always been our foundation. Every time a patient tells me, “I didn’t know where else to turn,” I am reminded of why this work matters.

In honor of 60 years of not backing down, we invite the community to join us for our annual Sarasota-Manatee Dinner on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at The Ora. This evening will honor our history and look ahead to a future where every person can access the care they need. No matter what obstacles arise.

If there’s one thing this anniversary means to me, it’s that we’ve never given up and we never will. Every patient who walks through our doors is a reminder that this work is worth it.

If you believe in this mission, I hope you’ll consider becoming part of it. Whether by attending events, advocating for sexual and reproductive health care, or supporting in another way, your involvement helps us continue this vital work. You can learn more at https://ppfl.org/srqmanatee.

For six decades, Planned Parenthood has been here for Floridians, and we’re not going anywhere. Here’s to 60 years of resilience and compassion, and the decades of care still to come.

The challenges ahead are great, but together, we are unstoppable. Thank you for standing with us, and with every patient who depends on Planned Parenthood.