Family Planning

Belmont County Family Planning Clinic is funded by the Federal Title X grant through the Ohio Department of Health. Many Ohio women and men use family planning clinics as an entry point for health care. Family planning services help to:

·         Prevent accidental pregnancies,

·         Screen for diseases and other health conditions,

·         Urge early prenatal care,

·         Improve pregnancy outcomes and

·         Improve the health of mothers and babies.

Family planning services are broad-based, voluntary and confidential. Priority is given to persons with low-incomes and those without insurance or insurance that does not cover family planning services. Fees for services are on a sliding scale based on family size and income and no one is denied services if they cannot pay. The client does not have to live in Belmont County to receive services.

During the clinical visit, a general physical exam is provided by a licensed physician or a certified registered nurse practitioner. The physical exam includes checking the client’s heart, lungs, thyroid gland, breasts, abdomen, pelvic area and legs. A review of the client’s health history helps the staff find any risk factors that would interfere with using certain birth control methods. Laboratory testing is included, such as checking for anemia, kidney or bladder infection, diabetes, pregnancy, cancer, vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Birth control methods and supplies are available. Some medications for treatment of vaginal infections and STDs are also available if needed.

Education and counseling is also offered by the nursing and clinical staff on topics such as birth control methods, STDs, sexual abuse, coercion and violence in relationships, infertility, natural family planning, abstinence, nutrition, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, breast self exam and many other issues. Referrals are provided as needed to social support services, substance abuse programs, domestic violence programs, WIC and other medical and social service providers.

Belmont County Family Planning is located at the health department location at 68501 Bannock Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950. For more information, call (740) 695-1202 extension 13.