September 2026
Join PPHP this month to show your support of sexual and reproductive health. We are hosting in-person and virtual events in our region. You don't want to miss out!
Virtual Events
Care at Planned Parenthood Webinar Series: Session 5
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Signs, Symptoms, Stigma
Tuesday, September 15, 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Virtual
Learn the basics of STI testing and treatment including what tests are available, what to expect during an appointment, and why regular testing matters. We'll also dig into how stigma and misinformation can keep people from getting care, and how policies and funding decisions shape access to testing and treatment.
Destigmatizing Abortion During Reproductive Oppression
Monday, September 21, 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Virtual
Abortion is a common health care procedure; one in four women in the United States have had an abortion. But it can be incredibly difficult to talk about due to the stigma around it, despite the widespread need for this critical health care service.
Attacks on reproductive health worsen abortion stigma and reproductive freedom while spurring some people to speak in support of abortion more openly and boldly.
In this training, we'll cover how stigma affects access to care, ways to discuss abortion that push against stigma, and how abortion is currently being discussed in our social discourse.
We hope to see you on September 21!
In-Person Events
Double the Action
PPHP and NYLCV Civic Engagement Hike
Sunday, September 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cold Spring, NY
Come join PPHP and the New York League of Conservation Voters for our first ever Civic Engagement Hike. On Sunday, September 13, we will meet up in Cold Spring and hike the Catfish Loop Trail together. There will be multiple built-in snack and water breaks where we will sit and have brief convos about ways that you and your community can stay civically engaged.
Come together to enjoy the beautiful nature right here within our community, while also having a space to talk about activism and the issues we care about. This is a safe space to explore the outdoors, have some great conversations, and make some friends that have similar passions as you!
This hike is open to all levels. Find more information about the hike and sign up here!
Letter Writing to Restore Care
Thursday, September 24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Smithtown, NY
50 years of Hyde, 50 years of harm: September 30, 2026 marks 50 years of the Hyde Amendment blocking people with Medicaid from using their insurance to cover abortion care. Every person — no matter where they live, their income, or insurance coverage — deserves the freedom to make their own health care decisions.
Additionally, the threat of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at health centers and the denial of health care coverage for immigrants is forcing people to skip birth control refills, delay prenatal care, avoid STI testing, and wait for time-sensitive abortion care. Attacks on immigrant rights are attacks on reproductive rights.
Let's tell our members of Congress to support the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH Act), the Health Equity and Access under the Law (HEAL) Act, and the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act.
We hope to see you!
Ongoing Opportunities
Make a Plan to Vote!
Election Day is coming up for the New York general election. Voting is an important part of civic engagement because communities that have high rates of voting often have better health outcomes. There are multiple ways to vote, but what's most important is that you make a plan to ensure your voice is heard. Share with Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic how you'll be voting this year!
Some voting reminders: The General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early Voting will take place on Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, November 1. The deadline to register before the election is Saturday, October 24. Visit elections.ny.gov to check your voter registration status, and check out our hub for Voting and Civic Engagement Resources.
Read The Youth Voice Newsletter and Share Your Story
Every Planned Parenthood supporter and patient advocate has a story to tell as to why they support access to sexual and reproductive health care. Stories humanize our work to show Planned Parenthood's commitment to the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve through our health care services, education programs, and fearless advocacy. With sexual and reproductive health care under constant attack, it is essential that we share as many stories as possible to raise awareness and engage more people in our movement.
We are especially interested in hearing from young people, and with your permission, selected stories may be featured in our new youth newsletter, The Youth Voice, to help inspire and inform others across our community.
Click the link to share your story. Want to talk to a staff member before submitting? Email advocacy@pphp.org.
Community Outreach Volunteer Event Interest Sign-up
How do you want to get involved?
We are looking to build up participation and excitement for upcoming activities. We run tabling events at public rallies and high-traffic areas, crowd canvassing at festivals and marches, and door-to-door Healthy Neighborhood Canvassing to inform people of our services and combat misinformation. Follow this link for a full description of event types and to indicate what types of events you are interested in attending!
Learn more about Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Action Fund!
Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Action Fund is a social advocacy organization whose mission is to protect reproductive freedom for all people in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Suffolk counties by engaging in issue education, legislative advocacy, and voter education campaigns.
