ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The city of Allentown is assessing the need for menstrual care products by those who live there.
The Period Poverty project is underway through the Allentown Health Bureau.
Period poverty is a phrase used to address inadequate access to products people need during their menstrual cycles — such as tampons and pads as well as other reusable products.
- The city of Allentown is addressing the issue of period poverty
- The city launched a survey to see how great the need is for menstrual products among those who live there
- The city is teaming up with other organizations to address the problem
“Lack of access to period products is a significant issue facing many people in our community which can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes,” Allentown Health Director David Synnamon said.
“Menstruation is a basic fact of life. Everyone should be able to find menstruation products easily accessible and be able to use them hygienically, no matter their income level or age.”
Erin Barron, Allentown Health Bureau's clinical service manager, said research shows those who do not have access to those types of products will miss classes or social events because of the issue.
“This is a basic health care need for those who need it," Barron said. "This is basically, you know, that they need the care for this and they need the products.
"So I think it's important that we're doing some fact-finding and trying to get some more information so we can help folks."
Allentown Health Bureau is conducting a survey on social media to assess the need in the city and how to alleviate some of that need.
“Lack of access to period products is a significant issue facing many people in our community which can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes."David Synnamon, Allentown’s Health Director
“We asked have they had to lose a day of time doing anything?" Barron said.
"Has it made you miss class? Has it made you miss work? Have you had to put some sort of social event on hold because you didn't have the product to be able to go to that event?
“How do you get them — do you ask a friend? Some folks use things like toilet paper, some folks just go without. So it’s just how are they dealing with the issue if they have the issue that they just do not have access to them?"
Barron said they’ve teamed up with the local health networks and other organizations to try and address period poverty.
“This is not an issue for anybody to have to worry about," she said. "You know, it's a fact of life. Menstruation is a basic fact of life and it shouldn't be costing a lot of time and a lot of worry and a lot of money to be able to have the things that people need."
The Health Director added, “engaging the public and lifting the stigma around this topic is the first big step in helping to ensure more people have easy access to period products.”
The Allentown Health Bureau survey is still available for residents to fill out online. A group meets once a month to assess the results.
"Once enough responses are collected, that group will decide how to proceed with closing the gap on period poverty.
