COLORADO SPRINGS, CO –
Sunday marked the grand reopening of Planned Parenthood’s health center in Colorado Springs, just five months after a lone gunman stormed the building, opening fire on innocent people, killing three and injuring at least nine others.
There were lots of emotions on both ends of the spectrum. The crowd reflected on the lives lost that tragic Black Friday, but they also celebrated perseverance and united around the theme of solidarity.
The center looks just like it did before. About 100 people gathered to honor Planned Parenthood’s commitment to serving Colorado Springs. Speakers evoked cheers, but also tears as they remembered the strength of the clinic staff following the tragedy.
Planned Parenthood’s regional director Brenda Vaden recounted conversations with employees in the subsequent days. “At that moment,” she says, “I knew things would be okay, that they would laugh together again and these were the moments when life was a little better for them.”
The crowd also took time to reflect, writing notes for the center and recognizing the efforts to reopen so soon. “There was a lot of intense, intense working to make sure that we could get this location back up,” says Vicki Cowart, CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountain. “We know the people in Colorado Springs love us and want us to be working, so we have pushed as hard as we can.”
The organization did not have to rebuild alone, with tremendous support nationwide both through well-wishes and financially. National Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards says, “What we saw across the country was just an outpouring of support for the patients here and the staff here. I think that’s one of the reasons that this center was rebuilt so quickly and reopened so quickly.”
Not everyone came to the ceremony in support, however. Protesters gathered in their normal spot on the corner and security was very tight for the event. Local legislators spoke up, though, vowing to use their power to protect the center’s services.
“I will continue to work to fight to ensure all Coloradans have access to reproductive healthcare every single day,” Sen. Mike Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs) told the crowd.
Rep. Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) added, “I’m convinced that the rhetoric of violence which has pervaded our airwaves and our political debates contributed to the tragedy of Nov. 27.”
Officially opening last week with a full schedule, the clinic expects to serve thousands this year just as in years past.
The finishing touch to the center will be a memorial for victims Garrett Swasey, Jennifer Markovsky and Ke’Arre Stewart. The installation will be made up of peace cranes created by Planned Parenthood workers in other parts of the country.
Source: Planned Parenthood reopens Colorado Springs center
