BRATTLEBORO — Catch comedian Cindy Pierce's show, “Comfort in the Stumble,” on Friday, Oct. 24, at New England Youth Theatre, 100 Flat St.
All ticket sales will benefit Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) and their plans for a new health center in Brattleboro.
Pierce, who describes herself as an “incident magnet,” will share stories such as the healing power of oatmeal and wrangling humor in the birthing chamber.
“Planned Parenthood is leading the charge on sexuality education and policies that give women choices about their sexual health,” Pierce said in a press release. “These issues are very important to me both personally and professionally.”
She added: “In all of my work as a comic storyteller, I hope to empower more people to get the information, support, and awareness they need to make healthy choices. I am honored to work with Planned Parenthood.”
PPNNE is raising funds for a new, state-of-the-art health center in Brattleboro to better serve the community and enrich patients' experiences as they seek reproductive health care. Planned Parenthood says its current center, an old Victorian house, lacks the infrastructure necessary for modern health care, such as adequate space to properly see patients and mentor the next generation of practitioners.
According to PPNNE president and CEO Meagan Gallagher, “Time and again our Brattleboro patients rave about the health care they receive. Unfortunately, the space does not reflect the quality of care we provide. And it's time to change that.”
More than 1,400 patients received reproductive health care at the PPNNE Brattleboro health center in 2013, totaling more than 2,200 visits. Sixty-nine percent of those patients had incomes at or below the federal poverty level: $17,235 or less for a single person.
“Comfort in the Stumble” - which contains graphic sexual language and is for adults only - is hosted by Lisa Ford, Melany Kahn, Leah Nussbaum, and Rita Ramirez. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., when guests can enjoy snacks, a cash bar, and a raffle. The show begins at 7:30.