Washington Chamber of Commerce
Main Street Washington
WEDG
City of Washington
May 19, 2023 (WASHINGTON) – In the U.S., 1 in 5 teens have difficulty affording menstrual products or were not able to purchase them at all — that’s according to PERIOD., a global nonprofit founded by two high school students that works to destigmatize menstruation and promote menstrual literacy.
To help improve access to these products, and raise awareness of Menstrual Health Day on May 28, Washington For Justice and Optimae LifeServices are holding a menstrual health donation drive throughout May, Women’s Health Month. Donations will be distributed to The Lighthouse Center of Washington.
Donations may be dropped off through May 31 at the Washington Public Library (115 W. Washington St.). Online donations may be made by visiting www.amzn.to/3vmqbFV — which links to the Menstrual Health Drive’s Amazon Wish List.
“Hygiene items, like menstrual products, soap, and deodorant, are necessary for individuals’ sense of dignity, in addition to being important from a health standpoint,” said Bethany Glinsmann, associate director at Washington for Justice. “Unfortunately, some of these essential products are not covered under SNAP and other assistance programs. We are thrilled to partner with Optimae to host this product donation drive in an effort to raise awareness about the need for these products and to celebrate Menstrual Health Day.”
Lack of access to these essential products is an ongoing challenge for many; another is the stigma still associated with menstruation conversations, according to Holly Stevenson, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Optimae.
“Talking about periods is still, even in 2023, taboo, and I am hopeful that this initiative not only provides products to those in need but also encourages all of us to talk about this issue and feel more comfortable discussing what is a very natural and healthy part of life for so many,” Stevenson said. “I am so proud to be a part of this initiative which allows us to be at the side and on the side of the menstruators in Iowa who need the support that we can help offer.”
Washington For Justice is a non-partisan group whose mission is to create a more inclusive community by confronting racism in all its forms. Optimae is a statewide health care and human services organization committed to influencing the communities it provides services in to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive places. Its Fairfield Community Services and Behavioral Health offices are located at 301 West Burlington Avenue and its Fairfield Home Health office is located at 206 West Burlington Avenue. To learn more, visit www.optimaelifeservices.com/locations.
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About Optimae LifeServices
Optimae LifeServices Inc. provides health care and human services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness from nearly 40 central, eastern and southern Iowa counties. For more than three decades, we have equipped our customers with supports and services that encourage choice, empowerment and community integration. Our programs include community-based, behavioral health, home health, rehabilitation and residential care services. We advocate for the rights and needs of more than 5,300 Iowans each year, providing the quality of care we would want for our own family.
