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'First small step': Metro Government launches pilot program to make period products more accessible

Dispensers with free period products have been installed in over a dozen restrooms at the public health department and Metro Hall.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On average, a person who has periods will spend up to $9,000 in their lifetime.

But now, Louisville Metro Government plans to provide some relief by making period products more assessable. 

As of Wednesday, dispensers with free period products have been installed in over a dozen public restrooms, both men and women’s, at the health department and Metro Hall.

"Not all women menstruate and not all people that menstruate identify as women, so what we're trying to do is achieve an equitable situations where women and people who menstruate can fully participate in society," Gretchen Hunt, director of the Office for Women, said.

The pilot project is an effort fueled by the public health department and the Office for Women to "promote gender equity and address barriers to health that impact women and people who menstruate." 

According to a news release, period poverty - the lack of access to period products due to financial constraints - affects people who menstruate between the ages of 9 and 17, college students and those who are low income. 

About 20% of Kentucky women live in poverty and 1 in 5 teens can't afford period products, officials said.

"They're choosing literally between 'Do I buy food or do I buy period products?' And if you think, a tampon may cost 20 cents/25 cents. That is a big cost for people who can't afford it, but it's a small cost for a community," Hunt said. 

She said that's why it's crucial to provide free supplies in public areas and eliminate the "pink tax." Kentucky is currently one of the 21 states charging sales tax on tampons and pads.

Hunt is hoping the project will change that by showing how gender inequality is costing us more than just money.

“Lack of access to period products can lead to lowered productivity by workers and students missing school. It can also lead to mental health issues, like depression. This is due, in part, to stigma and the feeling of embarrassment and shame,” Connie Mendel, interim chief health strategist for Louisville Metro, said. “Additionally, those who lack access to period products may try to extend the life of a tampon, for instance, which could lead to health complications including toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening infection.”

To recognize period needs and inequities, city officials have proclaimed Oct. 14 as Period Action Day.

“This is a first small step in what we hope will be a wave of schools, workplaces and sporting and entertainment facilities providing free period products,” Hunt said. "This not only helps alleviate period poverty, but it also sends a clear message to women, girls, and people who menstruate that you belong and are welcome in public spaces.”

The Office for Women and the Metro Council Women’s Caucus support an ordinance that urges the Kentucky legislature to remove the “pink tax” on period products and diapers. 

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