Joint Statement: Title X Family Planning Grant to Transition to Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health in July 2026
Heartland Community Health Center (HCHC) and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health (LDCPH) are pleased to jointly announce that effective July 2026, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health will assume responsibility for the Title X Family Planning Grant. This transition reflects a shared commitment to improving access to comprehensive reproductive health services for all residents of Douglas County.
“We are proud to see family planning services returning to LDCPH as part of our continued effort to build a system of care that enables equitable access for everyone. While there is uncertainty about whether Title X funding will be included in the federal budget, we remain committed to launching reproductive health services by July 2026. Restoring these services reaffirms our commitment to making essential health services available to all who need them,” said Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of LDCPH.
Title X is the only program solely dedicated to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health has the clinical infrastructure and public health experience to administer the grant and continue delivering high-quality care to individuals regardless of income or insurance status.
Heartland has successfully managed the Title X grant over the past three years and will continue to offer family planning services through its designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
“We are proud of the work we’ve done to provide accessible, compassionate reproductive health care, and we’re fully supportive of this transition,” said Heartland COO, Rachel Hartford. ” Heartland does not anticipate any staffing reduction as a result of this transition. We appreciate the dedication and hard work our clinical team has demonstrated over the past several years in implementing and operating this program. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting our community partner and ensuring continued access to high-quality family planning care for our patients as a vital part of our mission.”
Both organizations are collaborating closely to ensure a smooth, seamless transition that maintains continuity of care for patients and strengthens the network of family planning services across the county.
Heartland Community Health Center and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health announce a collaborative transition that strengthens access to family planning services and provides patients with options.
"...As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting our community partner and ensuring continued access to high-quality family planning care for our patients as a vital part of our mission.”
-Rachel Hartford, Heartland COO
Welcoming All Who Need Care
Heartland Community Health Center provides comprehensive, compassionate care to individuals and families, regardless of income or insurance status.
Services include:
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Primary care
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Mental and behavioral health
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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
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Dental care
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Pharmacy
Family Planning
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Wraparound support services
A sliding fee scale is available based on income, and new patients and walk-ins are welcome. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.
