There is a need to provide menstrual supplies in all 6th - 12th grade female and unisex bathrooms. Girls in school whose period starts early or can't afford appropriate menstrual pads or tampons can feel stressed and panicked. Unless they can hurriedly borrow from a friend or stranger, they must go to the school nurse for product. Perhaps wait in line. Surveys show that 70 percent of Idaho 6th through 12th grade girls had missed significant class time due to insufficient period product access. Girls can be kept in school if girls or unisex bathrooms are equipped with a free menstrual product dispenser.
This project will provide about 12 dispensers and refill kits for Pocatello-Chubbuck District 25 middle and high schools for use by 6th-12th grade girls. A typical prefilled sanitary napkin and tampon dispenser costs about $140. A case of 250 packaged sanitary napkins for refill costs about $45. Placement of dispensers and refills will be coordinated with the Idaho Period Positivity organization and School District 25 administration to support the 2024-25 school year. Rotarians will source and install the menstrual product dispensers and refill kits and help publicize the need, including mental health factors.
This project shows public support for proposed but not passed 2023 HB313 feminine hygiene products legislation that would provide state funding for free period products in every female and unisex public school bathrooms.
|