About

Founded in 1985, Friends of Family Planning, Inc. began as a group of committed community members working together to bring essential sexual and reproductive health services, provided by Health Imperatives, to Martha’s Vineyard.

In 2024 and 2025, our organization undertook a thoughtful rebranding to better reflect the scope of our mission today: supporting a broader network of providers, expanding education, and advocating for the diverse sexual health care needs of our island community.

We’re proud to share that our new name - Martha’s Vineyard Sexual Wellness (MV SWELL) - was officially recognized by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on March 6, 2025. While our name has changed, our mission remains rooted in equity, access, and care. Martha’s Vineyard Sexual Wellness retains its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and our volunteer board is deeply committed to continuing the vital work of raising awareness and funding for inclusive sexual and reproductive health care across the island.

At MV SWELL, we recognize the many challenges facing our community: food insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to affordable health care.

We also understand that every individual deserves access to safe, respectful, and affirming sexual and reproductive health services, no matter their circumstances.

Thanks to years of community support, our fundraising efforts have helped secure a permanent clinic space at minimal cost to Health Imperatives, fund essential equipment to support clinicians, and increase public awareness of available services.

Today, in 2025, the future of federally and state-funded clinics like Health Imperatives is uncertain, as Title X funding continues to face cuts across the country. These challenges disproportionately impact women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically underserved groups. While we’re fortunate to live in Massachusetts, we remain vigilant and more committed than ever to protecting access on the island.

Martha’s Vineyard Sexual Wellness stands on the legacy of grassroots action, sustained by a passionate board and generous community of supporters. Together, we continue the vital work of promoting sexual wellness through education, advocacy, and access for all who call Martha’s Vineyard home.