A news flash from a contact at SFSI (San Francisco Sex Information), 3/15/2002: Apparently, this week, Emergency Contraception (EC) became available in all San Francisco Walgreens through the Pharmacy Access Partnership - thanks to a new law passed Jan 1 this year. This means that Emergency Contraception can now be obtained at these Walgreens without first going to a doctor, hospital or clinic. Emergency Contraception is a safe method of preventing pregnancy after "unprotected sexual intercourse". It is most effective (95%) if taken within 3 days. This will make it so much easier for women to get EC - after hours especially, since Walgreens are open all the time. Please spread the word about this! For information on other pharmacies where EC can be obtained in other counties, please visit http://www.ecp-help.org/. - Unless a woman has a valid HAP/Family PACT card, MediCal or other health insurance card that would cover the cost of the pills, the cost is $54. Even if you have any of these, the consultation fee of $20 applies FOR EVERYONE. If you have questions regarding this, you can ask the specific pharmacy you call. - Walgreens dispenses Plan B, in case you want to know what kind of EC they use. - For Family PACT clients the medication is free (except the $20 consultation fee) up to 3 times a year. After that you have to pay for it. - Women should call the Walgreens first to make sure that there is a pharmacist on staff when they go who has received the training to dispense EC. Apparently, many, if not most of them are but it is still a good idea to check before going in. Thanks Carlina Hansen Executive Director, Women's Community Clinic 2166 Hayes St., #104 San Francisco, CA 94117 www.thewomensclinic.org (415) 379-7800 phone (415) 379-7804 fax