In this urgent and empowering episode, host Lauren is joined by Marion (Assistant Vice President of Data and Advocacy) and Taylor (Organizing and Field Director) from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio to discuss the current state of healthcare access, the impact of political attacks, and the grassroots strategies being deployed to fight back.

With a combined four decades of organizing experience, Marion and Taylor break down the devastating effects of defunding—including $8 million in lost Medicaid reimbursement and multiple health center closures—and introduce the CARE Continues campaign. This initiative goes beyond traditional advocacy, centering community care, mutual aid, and relationship-building as core strategies for resilience and long-term power building. They share insights on constituency-based organizing, the power of storytelling, and how anyone—regardless of experience—can find their place in this movement.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The real-world impact of defunding Planned Parenthood in Ohio: lost revenue, health center closures, and reduced access to care.
• Why a diverse, multi-tactic approach is essential to countering authoritarian governance.
• Introduction to the CARE Continues campaign: community forums combining resource fairs, small group discussions, and direct action.
• The power of mutual aid and care kits (menstrual, safer sex, gender-affirming, and new parent kits) as both a service and an organizing tool.
• The importance of constituency-based organizing through programs like Black Organizing, PP Generation Action (youth), and RISE (Latine community).
• Taylor's personal story of getting involved as a student after the 2016 election and how it shaped her career.
• How storytelling humanizes issues and connects directly to legislative advocacy.
• Opportunities for volunteers: from attending forums to hosting their own packing parties.
• A call to action: contact Senators Husted and Moreno, attend the Columbus (Feb 18) or Cleveland (March) events, and text CARE to 22422 to get involved.

Guest Information:

• Marion, Assistant Vice President of Data and Advocacy, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio
• Taylor, Organizing and Field Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio
• Website: plannedparenthoodaction.org
• Text CARE to 22422 to protect Medicaid and Planned Parenthood in Ohio
• Attend a CARE Continues event: Columbus – February 18 | Cleveland – March (date TBD)