Period poverty is a familiar problem for many in our community. Besides the cramps and headaches millions cannot afford adequate feminine hygiene products worldwide. It is reported that 4 out of 5 girls miss class or know someone who misses class due to lack of feminine hygiene products. At Collierville High School, more options are becoming available to help provide period products to students and members of our community. Collierville is a title one school, meaning that a large percentage of our school is on free or reduced school lunch. If students often cannot afford food, how are they expected to pay for the rising prices of feminine hygiene products? This year, Collierville is combatting period poverty in our community with feminine hygiene dispensers, period products in the clinic, and Collierville High School’s She Leads period product drive.

Collierville has made multiple strides toward reducing the stress of affording period products for students in Collierville. In both the upstairs and downstairs main hallway bathrooms, there are feminine hygiene dispensers. These machines offer both tampons and pads free of cost to Collierville High School students. They are being trialed this year and refilled around once a month. The Collierville clinic staff remarks, “We noticed there is a demand. A lot of girls come down to the clinic because may not have access to products at home.” Although these products are free to students, the school pays for them. These items are often being abused in the restrooms. Pads are being stuck on to the walls and tampons are being thrown on the ceiling. This poses a serious risk to the availability of these products to Collierville students who are in need. This is also inconsiderate to students who rely on these products to get them through the school day. When asked if we would get more dispensers in our restrooms, the clinic staff noted, “We have considered taking the dispensers down. The products are not cheap, and they are being misused.” Additionally, “It’s a great service. The abuse is unfortunate because it’s for a good cause.” To ensure the longevity of free feminine hygiene dispensers, the abuse needs to stop.

Collierville High School also promotes a yearly drive through She Leads Club for period products. She Leads is a girls leadership group sponsored by Ms. Rasmussen that works through Girl Scouts Heart of the South. This year, She Leads Collierville was able to make an even bigger impact by partnering with Nurse Jackson, nursing classes and the nonprofit, Sister Supply. These products are in high demand because they are not covered by food stamps. This means that customers purchase these items at full price. In many cases, this is not achievable or sustainable, forcing many to go without. In homes with multiple girls, one box of products will likely not make it past a few weeks. As a result, girls miss school, ruin clothing and bedding, and stay home from social events. This year, Collierville was able to make a difference by collecting roughly 3,000 products.

Keep an eye out for She Leads feminine hygiene drive next school year. Remember to respect the period product dispensers in our restrooms. Most importantly, if you or someone you know may be experiencing period poverty, take advantage of the resources offered through our school and community.