TRENTON, NJ – This Mother’s Day marked the beginning of National Women’s Health Week. From May 13 through May 19, women across the country use this week every year as a reminder to take time to invest in their health and wellness. Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey (PPNCSNJ) is highlighting the need for regular wellness visits and preventive health care like testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as a critical part of staying healthy for women of all ages.

“As the nation’s leading provider and advocate of women’s health care, Planned Parenthood encourages all women to make their health a top priority by scheduling a checkup and getting regular screenings,” said Triste Brooks, president and CEO of PPNCSNJ. “Women’s health care is essential health care – during Women’s Health Week, and every day.”

To help women take control of their health, during the month of May, Planned Parenthood will continue to provide free STD testing at every health center in the state. Interested individuals can walk in to any Planned Parenthood health center during normal business hours for free testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. For more information, visit PPNCSNJ’s website here.

In addition to STD testing, Planned Parenthood offers a full range of women’s reproductive health care services, including cancer screenings, birth control, and well-woman visits.  For those who may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with a well-woman visit, Planned Parenthood’s online resources walk through the process and provide a clear sense of what to expect.

One in five women has turned to Planned Parenthood at some point in her life for affordable, high-quality health care and compassionate, confidential information and advice. Visit plannedparenthood.org to find your nearest health center and make an appointment.