BEVERLY — With the economy spiraling downward, one nonprofit wants to make sure someone doesn't accidentally have another mouth to feed.
As an incentive not to skimp on protection, new patients who sign up before Dec. 30 will receive three free months of birth control. Existing patients can get the deal if they recommend a friend.
"Cutting back on contraception because of cost can lead to the high price of unintended pregnancy," said Lianne Cook, executive director of Health Quarters.
With winter on the way and people struggling to buy food and heat their homes, Cook said birth control can often take a back seat to basic needs.
"We don't like people to think of it as a luxury," she said. "But it can be a fairly sizable expense each month."
Health Quarters offers birth control pills, the patch, NuvaRing and Depo-Provera shots.
After the three months free, the contraceptive is usually available at prices lower than most pharmacies, Cook said.
Exams and tests can also be paid on a sliding scale, and Health Quarters takes some insurance plans, including MassHealth.
Although geared toward low-income and under-insured women, Cook said the service is open to anyone and is especially beneficial for those who are just above the poverty line or who don't want to go through their family insurance plan.
"As money becomes tighter, we want to ensure that affordable GYN exams and contraception are accessible to as many women as possible," Cook said.
Health Quarters is a state and federally funded nonprofit that provides gynecological exams, health education and prevention services such as birth control and emergency contraception, cervical and breast cancer screening, STD testing and treatment, and rapid HIV and pregnancy testing and counseling.
Health Quarters is at 19 Broadway, Beverly. For more information, call 978-922-4490.
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