Free birth control, emergency contraception, & more at WCHD (while supplies last)
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submitted by Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department has free over-the-counter (OTC) Opill birth control pills and OTC emergency contraception available at no cost, while supplies last. Free condoms and lube to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are always available.
These supplies are provided as part of the Take Control of Your Birth Control campaign from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“We’re here to help people feel empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health,” says Adrienne Walling, Washtenaw County Health Department Prevention Specialist. “Everyone deserves access to tools like birth control, emergency contraception, and condoms.”
Free supplies can be picked up from the reception desk at the Health Department at 555 Towner Street in Ypsilanti during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30am-12pm and 1-5pm). To provide supplies to as many community members as possible, we are distributing up to two boxes of Opill birth control pills (enough for a six-month supply) and two boxes of emergency contraception per visit, while supplies last. The Health Department always has free condoms and lube available.
“We can also provide STI testing and treatment, PrEP and HIV testing, pregnancy testing, and DoxyPEP, a medication that can help prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis after condomless sex,” says Hope Delecke, Washtenaw County Health Department Nurse Practitioner. “If you want to learn about how to prevent pregnancy or lower your risk for STIs, we’re a safe space to get your questions answered.”
The Washtenaw County Health Department is one of over 300 sites across the state providing these free resources while supplies last. See all sites here.
Learn more about Health Department sexual health services at washtenaw.org/sexualhealth or by calling 734-544-6840.
Over-the-counter Opill and emergency contraception
Both of these resources can be given over-the-counter (without a prescription). Neither Opill nor emergency contraception protect against STIs. In addition to being available through this campaign for free, both Opill and emergency contraception can be purchased at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online.
Opill is a progestin-only oral birth control pill that is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. It must be taken every day at the same time each day.
OTC emergency contraception (sometimes called the “morning after pill” or by a common brand name, “Plan B”) helps prevent pregnancy before it starts. It is not an abortion pill and will not affect an existing pregnancy. It can be used up to three days after unprotected sex.
Health insurance
This campaign also aims to connect people with health insurance. In addition to full Medicaid coverage, MDHHS offers family planning services through Plan First, a limited Medicaid benefit that covers birth control, STI testing and treatment, doctor’s office visits, and vaccinations among other services. For those who are not eligible for Medicaid, affordable coverage is available through the Health Insurance Marketplace, with all plans covering contraception. Anyone in Washtenaw County with questions about health insurance coverage can get help from the Washtenaw Health Project.
Resources
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Take Control of Your Birth Control campaign flyer in English, Spanish, and Arabic
- Washtenaw County Health Department – Sexual Health Services
- Washtenaw County Health Department – OTC Emergency Contraception Fact Sheet
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs.
Local public health information and updates are always available at www.washtenaw.org/health. The Health Department also provides frequent social media updates (@wcpublichealth) and sends regular email updates, sign up at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.
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