The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has signed a five-year agreement with Upstream aimed at improving access to contraceptive care.
Upstream, a nonprofit organization, works with states to provide evidence-based training and technical assistance to address barriers to offering a full slate of contraceptive services. The group works with the full care team to ensure that everyone has a tailored, comprehensive experience.
In the partnership with HHS, the two will work together to identify where there is the greatest need for contraceptive care and where people of reproductive age struggle to access a health center that can provide a complete range of contraceptive methods, the agency said in an announcement.
“We’ve reached a crucial point in history, calling for an expanded approach to dramatically improve contraception access,” said Mark Edwards, CEO of Upstream, in the release. “Both HHS and Upstream share a common goal of improving women’s health, increasing access to contraception, and addressing disparities in contraceptive care."
"Through this partnership, we will ensure healthcare facilities across the U.S. are equipped with the training, tools, and resources needed to offer their patients the high-quality contraceptive care they need and deserve," Edwards added.
The collaboration between HHS and Upstream will assist providers in finding free technical assistance, training and education toward providing contraceptive services in primary care settings, according to the announcement.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is steadfast in its commitment to protecting reproductive health care in all communities,” said Marvin Figueroa, director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at HHS, in the release. “By equipping providers and health care facilities with the training and support necessary to expand contraception options and access, we can better empower patients and help address disparities in family planning care.”