KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Wal-Mart Cancels HIV Prevention Program in Richland

Wal-Mart Cancels HIV Prevention Program in Richland

KENNEWICK, Wash. - Leaders with Planned Parenthood were upset after a HIV prevention event was canceled last Friday.  

Last week KNDU reported that Tri-City teens would be outside of the Richland Wal-Mart giving out information about where to get tested for HIV and other preventative information.

The program was organized through Planned Parenthood.

Wal-Mart representatives said the event was canceled because it was scheduled without the proper approval for store management.  Greg Rossiter, a spokesperson with Wal-Mart said the event would not have been allowed under the companies policy. 

He said an employee told Planned Parenthood that the event was permitted, however the day of the event the store manager apparently realized it was happening and called to cancel.

Planned Parenthood Representative Brian Griffith believes that the pro-life group American Life League had contacted Wal-Mart, complained about the event which he thinks played a role in the cancellation. 

Wal-Mart representatives said they were contacted by members of the American Life League, but that it had no bearing on their decision to cancel the event.

American Life League apparently sent out an email encouraging all of its members throughout the country to call Wal-Mart and complain.

Griffith said he is disappointed with Wal-Mart's decision to cancel the HIV program.

Planned Parenthood moved the HIV distribution event to the Howard Amon Park in Richland and claimed they gave information to over 250 people instead of holding the event at Wal-Mart.