Our Women’s Health service line is hosting its first Period Poverty Donation Drive March 11-31.

Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products and education.

We’re partnering with a local nonprofit, Femme Aid Collaborative, for this initiative. They will collect the donations and distribute them to local women’s shelters and other areas of need in the community.

How to participate

Between March 11-31, you can drop off feminine products like pads, tampons, and liners in a marked donation barrel at one of the participating locations listed at the end of this article.

Please note that individually wrapped items can be donated using the following guidance

• If the box is open, keep everything in the box and tape it closed.
• If products aren’t in a box, put items in a plastic bag and write the absorbency on the bag. 

Why we need to address period poverty

In a 2019 national survey, 2 out of 3 low-income women said they had trouble affording period products. Additionally, menstrual supplies are not eligible purchases under financial assistance programs like SNAP or WIC.

Those who menstruate will spend an average of $6,000 in their lifetime on period products before tax (unlike food and medical supplies, period products are seen as non-essential and subject to sales tax).

Where to donate
There will be donation barrels at each of the Kettering Health and Kettering Health Medical Group locations listed below.