Planned Parenthood Southeast (PPSE) is an affiliate of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the nation's oldest and largest voluntary family planning organization. On April 1, 2010, Planned Parenthood of Georgia merged with Planned Parenthood Alabama to become Planned Parenthood Southeast serving Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. PPSE has extensive experience in providing women's health care, community health education and public policy advocacy in the South East region for over 80 years. We work with national, state and local providers and community agencies to provide high-quality health care to more than 20,000 clients and community education programs to more than 8,000 participants each year. By combining the Georgia Affiliate with the Alabama-Mississippi Affiliate, we have created an organization that represents the interests and needs of the region while providing core mission services in the local communities we serve. This is a trend across the country aimed at strengthening Planned Parenthood organizations and allowing us to continue fulfilling our mission, especially where the need is greatest in areas like the South. The PPSE is governed by a board of directors made up of community leaders and supporters. . The Council strives to include diversity among its members and does not discriminate in the election of its members on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, income, marital status or any other dimension of diversity. We have a diverse staff of seventy-five dedicated management, professional, and support staff members who work in eight health centers in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The board and staff work under a shared mission to ensure... middle of paper. .....anta was supported by funds from the United Way, the Morgan Foundation, the Turner Foundation, the Atlanta Women's Foundation Destiny Fund, the Blank Foundation, and general operating funds. Despite decreasing funding allocations and evolving foundation goals, PPSE remains committed to maintaining our educational programs as they are an essential part of our mission. In 2009, Planned Parenthood of Georgia received the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) President's Award for Outstanding Commitment. . This award is given by the national office to recognize affiliates who provide reproductive health services in difficult and extreme circumstances. It was awarded to affiliates in Georgia and Alabama for their unwavering dedication to providing services in high-need areas to ensure women, families and youth can access Planned Parenthood's essential services..