Nicole Clegg, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
Vermont Business Magazine Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE), the region's largest provider of family planning services, today announced a plan to address the financial deficit with Vermont leadership and advocates.
At a noon press conference, PPNNE’s CEO, Nicole Clegg along with advocates and state leaders outlined how they will collaborate on addressing the organization’s projected $8.6m deficit.
Speakers included advocate Kiah Morris, Senator Phil Baruth, Speaker Jill Krowinski, Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Senator Virginia ‘Ginny’ Lyons, Attorney General Charity Clark, and Treasurer Mike Pieciak.
PPNNE CEO Nicole Clegg cited a significantly broken health care system and endless political attacks as the main drivers to the deficit. She went on to name COVID-19, inflation, insufficient reimbursement rates, and an increased demand for PPNNE’s free and discounted care as factors that have worsened the financial situation.
PPNNE held a press conference in August of last year to sound the alarm about the projected $8.6M deficit, Vermont leaders heard the call for help and stepped up to work in partnership with PPNNE to establish a path forward. Since announcing the deficit in August, PPNNE has received an outpouring of support from Vermont leadership and created a clear path forward within the state to secure access to the life-saving care that PPNNE provides.
Increased Medicaid rates are the top of the priority list for this legislative session. Because of strong federal match programs, a modest state investment could sustain access to family planning services for low-income Vermonters.
In addition to the existing financial concerns, PPNNE continues to face political attacks and is preparing for loss of federal funding under the incoming Trump administration, who have already promised to slash funding and remove PPNNE from programs that serve low-income Vermonters.
Support has been seen from all political parties, across all branches of government, including a $100,000 award from the Vermont Department of Health for inventory supplies, with Governor Scott’s approval.
At this morning’s press conference, Nicole Clegg, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England uplifted the work that has been done to protect services in Vermont since August of last year:
“Our organization is pursuing many other strategies to respond to this moment and to keep our doors open. But thanks to our Vermont leaders, we no longer have to go at this alone.”
Treasurer Mike Pieciak discussed a proposal, in conjunction with other state treasurers, for a Safe Harbor Fund, which would help individuals who incur non-healthcare related costs in the process of receiving reproductive care. This fund could help cover costs such as childcare, travel, and lodging.
Treasurer Mike Pieciak: “In Vermont and across the nation, people are unable to access reproductive health care due to financial barriers unrelated to health insurance,” said Treasurer Pieciak. "This is increasingly true as reproductive health services are offered at fewer locations in our state. It’s why we are working with state treasurers across the country to safeguard reproductive rights and unlock private dollars to help the most vulnerable access care. In the wake of an affordability crisis in Vermont and growing abortion bans nationwide, my office is taking action to protect reproductive freedoms.”
Attorney General Charity Clark: “On the same day I was elected Attorney General two years ago, every single town in Vermont voted to enshrine the right to an abortion in our constitution. My mandate is clear: I will work to protect bodily autonomy and our private healthcare decisions,” said Attorney General Charity Clark. “I want to assure Vermonters who may be scared for their futures that I am ready to protect abortion and gender-affirming health care here in Vermont.”
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England By the Numbers
- PPNNE currently has 7 health centers in Vermont (Barre, Burlington, Brattleboro, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, White River Junction, Williston). Telehealth visits are available to anyone within the state.
- PPNNE served nearly 16,000 patients through 22,967 visits, in the past fiscal year, 4,155 via telehealth. 54% of patients had low incomes.
- In the last fiscal year, PPNNE provided $1.3 million worth of free and discounted health care in Vermont.
- Every dollar invested in family planning services results in an estimated savings of $4.83, as it provides patients with the services to prevent or delay pregnancy, protect against reproductive cancers, and reduces sexually transmitted infections (Publicly Supported Family Planning Services in the United States: Likely Need, Availability and Impact, 2016 | Guttmacher Institute)
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) is the largest provider of reproductive and sexual health care across the State of Vermont. We serve Vermont residents through 7 health centers in St. Johnsbury, Rutland, Brattleboro, Barre, Burlington, Williston, and White River Junction. Last year we saw more than 16,000 patients at these sites. PPNNE was named a 2021 Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the national leader in health care consumer and workforce engagement. Press Ganey recognizes PPNNE as a top-performing health care organization, achieving the 95th percentile or above for performance in patient experience, out of more than 20,000 medical practices.
Source: 1.16.2025. Montpelier, Vt. - Planned Parenthood of Northern New England www.ppnne.org
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