BFPA highlights achievements at anniversary service

It has been a record-breaking year for the Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA).

This was revealed by BFPA President, Reverend Ruth Phillips, during a church service at the Sanctuary Empowerment Centre yesterday to mark the 65th anniversary of the Association.
According to her, the past year has been one of record-breaking service, continued positive impact at the community and individual level, and has witnessed the association’s ability to overcome challenges of old and present and, hopefully, future.

During her brief remarks, Rev. Phillips also revealed that last year the BFPA, aiming to be more client-centered, made substantial investments in staff, customer service quality and capacity. The president noted that the results in these investments were immediate.

“In 2017, a record-breaking 76 344 services – a 90 per cent increase in comparison to 2016 – were made,” said Rev. Phillips, adding that there was a 27 per cent increase in HIV/STI services in 2017 over 2016. Additionally, the head of the organisation said that the BFPA continued to expand its HIV and STI screening and testing, treatment, care and outreach services to the most at-risk groups in Barbados.

Sole healthcare provider for men
The total quality care clinic also reported an increase in male assessment services by 23 per cent in 2017, which provides prostate screening, vasectomies and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Rev. Phillips noted the reasons for interest in these services.

“So many men have become comfortable with our convenient times and male-friendly service that we are now their sole health care provider,” said Rev. Phillips.
In the category of contraceptives, the President highlighted an 11 per cent increase in comparison to 2016 and she said that she hoped it was because of the good work of BFPA and their partners in “getting the word out there”.

In her report, Rev. Phillips indicated that the organisation in 2018 expected to see more growth in the area of rental of private surgeries as they change their approach in informing the public about this facility. An increase in public access to cervical screening services is another aim of the BFPA.

In her closing remarks, Rev. Phillips reported that the association had attracted 11 per cent more clientele in 2017 than the year before. She explained that this means there is a demand for the service, and that their new branding and increased public activity are working.

“It is good to see the monumental effort in marketing and public relations paying off. Ninety-seven per cent of our clients indicated that they were very satisfied with (BFPA) services and will return to our clinic,” said Rev. Phillips.

BFPA overcoming challenges, needs funding
The President further stated that last year the organisation dealt with several challenges which included a decline in funding from the Government of Barbados, reduction in funding from international funders and challenges from its detractors. Also, Rev. Phillips emphasised that with an increasing number of services, the BFPA has outgrown their present location. Furthermore, with the recent fires at their Bay Street location, the BFPA is presently providing a limited service at Winston Scott Polyclinic on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Nevertheless, the BFPA President took the moment to congratulate staff for enduring what they have for the past months. She also asked the congregration to remember the organisation in their prayers, making an appeal to the public: “…we are seeking your prayers, and financial assistance you can give us to fund that new place, any assistance at all you can give the Barbados Family Planning Association after 65 years. We’ve done so much for this small island and still have plans to do so much more. I know Barbados will come together and help us,” said Rev. Phillips.