A sexual and reproductive health clinic on Salt Spring could join dozens of others across B.C. facing closure, organizers say, unless the province comes through with additional funding.
Founded in 1997 as a Planned Parenthood branch, the Options for Sexual Health office on Salt Spring –– the “Opt Clinic” –– has been on the second floor at 134 McPhillips Ave. since 1998 (except for a short period when the building was being renovated), delivering information, education and healthcare; from contraceptive management and STI testing to gynecological referrals and screenings for cervical cancer, its clients are often the most vulnerable among an estimated 4,000 islanders without a family doctor.
If the Opt Clinic here closes, organizers say, those essential services will fall out of reach, particularly for those unable to afford –– or even arrange –– a trip off-island.
In a statement earlier this month, Options for Sexual Health’s board of directors said that after years without increases in its provincial funding levels –– while nursing wages in B.C. have risen –– the majority of the organization’s network of 52 clinics will be shuttered.
“The possibility of having to close many, if not all, of our clinics comes after more than a decade of operating under significant financial strain,” read the open letter. “With no substantive increases to our core funding during this time, rising healthcare costs, inflation, and the growing cost of living have outpaced our ability to meet the demands of need for our health care services.”
Options’ board said it has sent a letter to Premier David Eby to request additional funding. In the meantime they are urging supporters to add their own voices to the conversation –– by contacting their MLAs to ask for them to support the funding request.
There is no current appeal for funds from the community, but organizers have launched an online petition which had 175 signatures at press time: change.org/p/save-salt-spring-island-options-for-sexual-health.