Question about free clinics

[center_stage]

I did a search in the blank manual, and couldn't find anything related to this topic.

My friend (yes, really a friend) is in her mid 30's married, and doesn't have health insurance. I know that the following should be the last thing on her mind, (in regards to her health) but she was interested in finding out if free clinics could give birth control pills and viagra.

I told her that I was pretty sure they could give birth control pills, but was unsure about viagra. She knows that she could just call and find out, but she's a bit embarassed.

Does anybody know if clinics can prescribe viagra?

 

[Chicklet]

Planned Parenthood is THE place to go for birth control. Do they exist out there? I get all my birth control for free through them, and huge discounts on female health issues.

I don't know about viagra. It's probably harder to come by for free because it's not exactly a health necessity... sort of like how plastic surgery isn't covered under health insurance because it's cosmetic and not 'necessary'

 

[SweetErika]

Anyone who can legally prescribe meds can give her partner a script for Viagra. However, most free/low-cost clinics are so underfunded (Planned Parenthood is no longer giving away condoms, even) that I'm almost positive none of them are giving free non-necessities like E.D. meds.

If they're lower income, he may be able to get the meds through a drug company's Patient Assistance Program, but I'm a little doubtful that ED drugs are on their lists.

Birth control is VERY easy to get for free if one is in the right income bracket and uninsured. Much of the time, county health departments also have programs for free/low cost birth control, as well.

Your best bet on both counts is to call the local clinics and see what they can provide, since many have different policies.

 

[Chicklet]

Anyone who can legally prescribe meds can give her partner a script for Viagra. However, most free/low-cost clinics are so underfunded (Planned Parenthood is no longer giving away condoms, even) that I'm almost positive none of them are giving free non-necessities like E.D. meds.

I was in last month and got a years worth of free birth control and a whole bag of non-latex condoms for free...

 

[SweetErika]

I was in last month and got a years worth of free birth control and a whole bag of non-latex condoms for free...

It may be PP of Western WA right now, but I thought they said it was going to be all PPs.

Or, it could be that they only give them free to people who are eligible for free birth control.

 

[KokopelliRises]

It may be PP of Western WA right now, but I thought they said it was going to be all PPs.

Or, it could be that they only give them free to people who are eligible for free birth control.

Hmmm... That's odd. They had them sitting out in the front to take the last time I was at a PP. I'll be going in on Thursday, so I can check again. Could it just be the ones in the Seattle area? I know some of them are run, three or four by the same outfit. Could that be the case?

 

[center_stage]

Thanks for the info gals! I'll make sure to pass it along. SweetErika, I appreciate all the info (as does my friend, I just told her) about the lower income assistance programs.

 

[SweetErika]

Hmmm... That's odd. They had them sitting out in the front to take the last time I was at a PP. I'll be going in on Thursday, so I can check again. Could it just be the ones in the Seattle area? I know some of them are run, three or four by the same outfit. Could that be the case?

All of ours fall under Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, which is a lot of clinics. Perhaps the lady I talked to was wrong, or I misinterpreted her "all PPs" comment, though. I'll call some other clinics and ask, and barring that, I think I can get them free at the Health Department and a few other clinics. If not, maybe an especially kind out-of-state Litster will send me a condom care package.

 

[Chicklet]

If not, maybe an especially kind out-of-state Litster will send me a condom care package.

well, I'm planning multiple trips to seattle this summer.

But on topic, I talked to a friend of mine in seattle about this, and she theorized that perhaps it's a state-to-state program thing, and perhaps washington is just not offering free birth control anymore? I *did* have to supply proof of citizenship of oregon to get all my pills...

if anyone finds out please let me know, for the sake of my curiosity.

 

[KokopelliRises]

All of ours fall under Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, which is a lot of clinics. Perhaps the lady I talked to was wrong, or I misinterpreted her "all PPs" comment, though. I'll call some other clinics and ask, and barring that, I think I can get them free at the Health Department and a few other clinics. If not, maybe an especially kind out-of-state Litster will send me a condom care package.

I checked the PP in my area, which I don't think technically falls under Planned Parenthood of Western Washington (I do technically live in western Washington) and they did have a basket with condoms out in the front, so I think the lady perhaps was wrong, or it could be a regional thing.