Planned Parenthood’s Terry Stapleton Named Woman of the Year

Terry Stapleton, vice president of operations for Planned Parenthood of Orange & San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) has been named a 2021 Woman of the Year by Congressman Lou Correa. She will be honored at an awards ceremony next month highlighting women whose work on the front lines and behind the scenes throughout the pandemic has kept communities in the 46th Congressional District (Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange and Santa Ana) healthy and safe. The awards ceremony will take place September 18 at Chapman University in Orange.

“My 2021 Women of the Year celebration will highlight the women who, as health care workers, public safety officers, caregivers, innovators, educators, and community volunteers, have been some of the most exemplary and effective leaders in combating the pandemic,” said Congressman Correa. “The crisis has highlighted both the importance of their contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry.”

For the past 16 years, Stapleton has served as a pillar of strength within PPOSBC and exhibited outstanding leadership as the world navigated the devastation—and very real fears—surrounding the global pandemic. She remained devoted to the 100,000+ patients served by PPOSBC, many at-risk and underserved, and 350 health center staff members, helping to effectively continue to provide high-quality, compassionate, and timely healthcare.

Stapleton risked her own health while stepping up to work around the clock, 12 hours a day, seven days a week, as PPOSBC rolled out a series of COVID-19 vaccination clinics for staff and vulnerable members of the community. From logistics and planning to execution, she was there with a smile on her face, thanking all who participated for taking this step to protect their community from the deadly virus.

Before leading the charge to vaccinate more than 5,000 staff and community members in just over a month, Stapleton was instrumental in instating COVID-19 safety protocols at all nine of PPOSBC’s health centers and launching telehealth services to ensure the agency could continue to provide essential health care amid statewide shutdowns. Stapleton also serves as a mentor to generations of young women leaders in the field, and remains determined to excellence in customer service.

About Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties
With over 208,000 visits last year, Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties provided birth control, cancer screening including Pap tests and breast exams, STI testing and treatment, and abortion services to the community. Services are high-quality, confidential, and affordable. No one is turned away, regardless of insurance, income, or immigration status. Learn more at www.pposbc.org.