After almost eight years of service to the community, the Silverdale branch of Planned Parenthood will close its doors permanently on Dec. 31, 2011.

Loss of federal funding has forced the organization to shut down smaller locations and downsize underperforming ones.

According to the press release, changes in healthcare eligibility requirements have also made it harder for patients to seek care at their branches, resulting in an overall decline in customers.

Planned Parenthood provides women in the community with cancer screenings for early detection, birth control, well-woman exams and education programs on STD prevention.

An estimated 1,469 patients and five employees will be impacted by the closure. All patients have been referred to the Bremerton Health Center on NE Riddell Road.