ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh Valley students will have access to free menstrual period products come the new school year.
Funding that Gov. Shapiro's administration proposed in the 2024-25 budget passed with bi-partisan support.
“There are girls in Pennsylvania missing school because they don't have access to period products,” Shapiro said.
“Gaps in women’s health care that too often hurt low-income families and communities of color.”
“Providing period products in schools is crucial for promoting health, ensuring attendance and supporting equality."Crystal Perez, Assistant Director of Health Services at Allentown School District
The approved state budget includes $3 million to provide menstrual hygiene products in schools at no cost to students.
Implementation in local schools
“Providing period products in schools is crucial for promoting health, ensuring attendance and supporting equality," Allentown School District Assistant Director of Health Services Crystal Perez said.
"It addresses basic hygiene needs, reduces stigma around menstruation and allows all students to participate fully in their education without disruption or discomfort."
"Lack of access to period products can lead to missed class time and or entire school days which limits learning time."Allentown School District Assistant Director of Health Services Crystal Perez
Perez said district data reveals about 1 in 4 menstruators in Allentown School District have missed class time because of menstruating and not having the period product they need.
"Lack of access to period products can lead to missed class time and or entire school days which limits learning time,” she said.
Perez said the products have always been available in Allentown School District health rooms. Now, the new funding will help put them directly in school restrooms.
“A significant portion of the health services budget was allocated to purchasing these expensive products," she said. "We will now be able to spend these funds on other needed health supplies.
“Additionally, this new funding will allow the district to explore stocking products in school restrooms increasing access and limiting missed class time.”
Providing products across the city
Making the products more accessible also is being addressed on the city level.
“Access to menstrual products is such a basic health equity issue, not only by income status, but by sex status," Allentown Health Director Dave Synnamon said.
"People who menstruate need these products regardless of their income bracket or their race or ethnicity. They have to pay more than people who don't menstruate.
“They have this out-of-pocket cost, which puts in excess of burden on their day-to-day health.”
"It will shift the focus from period poverty, sort of the lack of pads, tampons, to menstrual equity, where students will have easier access to supplies. Which will increase their ability to stay in class, participate in sports and activities. The expense is huge, and we don't want people to miss work or school because they don't have access.”Allentown Health Bureau Director for Personal Health Belle Marks
The Health Bureau has offered the products free to residents who need them.
Bureau Director for Personal Health Belle Marks said funding the products in schools will make a huge impact.
"It will shift the focus from period poverty, sort of the lack of pads, tampons, to menstrual equity, where students will have easier access to supplies," Marks said.
"Which will increase their ability to stay in class, participate in sports and activities. The expense is huge, and we don't want people to miss work or school because they don't have access.”
She they now are offering menstrual products at Allentown Health Bureau, Lehigh County Conference of Churches and Ripple Community Inc.
