Washington

Washington

Upstream provides training and technical assistance to health centers in Washington so that all women have same-day access to the full range of contraceptive methods, empowering them to become pregnant only if and when they want to.

Unplanned Pregnancy

In Washington, at least 35% of all pregnancies are unintended.

According to Guttmacher Institute, publicly supported family planing centers served 112,800 female contraceptive clients in 2014. They met 26% of Washington women’s need for contraceptive services and supplies.

In 2010, the federal and state government spent $468 million on unintended pregnancies.

How we’re increasing access to contraception in Washington:

Training + Technical Assistance

Providing training and technical assistance to publicly funded and private healthcare providers across the state to ensure their patients are offered the full range of contraceptive methods in a single appointment at no or low cost.

Eliminating Barriers

Working with state agencies to ensure that there are no barriers preventing women from accessing same-day birth control method of her choice.

Increasing Public Awareness

Increasing public knowledge and awareness of contraceptive options and where low or no cost contraception can be obtained through consumer marketing campaigns.

Rigorous Evaluation

Creating a rigorous evaluation of Upstream Washington so that the impact of our work, including health outcomes and related cost savings, can be understood both in and outside of Washington.

Learn more about our training

Our work in health centers

 

“I had absolutely no idea of how involved Upstream would become in the inner workings of our health center, how connected they would become to our staff and providers and to the mission of the center, and how they would keep such a high energy level for the goals all the way through.”

— Dr. Tracy Kedian, Associate Medical Director for Perinatal Services, Family Health Center of Worcester

WHO WE ARE

Chelsea Waliser is Upstream’s Washington State Executive Director, leading the effort to reduce unplanned pregnancy by helping more Washington women access the most effective forms of birth control, through training, technical and financial assistance to Washington healthcare providers. As Washington Executive Director, Chelsea leads a team of healthcare and outreach professionals partnering with providers to train staff and improve access to the most effective forms of birth control.

Contact Chelsea

Want to work in Washington? Check out opportunities on our careers page.

Careers