City schools in the US to offer free feminine hygiene products

For the first time ever, city schools are dispensing free tampons and pads to students.

Girls at 25 public schools will get the items from bathroom dispensers in a program that starts Monday, the Daily News has learned.

The push for free feminine hygiene products will reach roughly 11,600 students when it is fully implemented by March 31, Education Department officials said.

The goal is to help female students focus on learning and feel comfortable during class, said Deputy Schools Chancellor Elizabeth Rose, who’s helping to manage the project.

“Having easy access to feminine care products is essential,” Rose said. “This pilot marks a major step in providing additional resources to students in need.”

Education Department officials said the program could be expanded to more middle schools and high schools citywide, depending on how well it’s received.

The idea for the new program came from City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-Queens), who had a stand-alone bathroom dispenser with free tampons and pads installed at the Queens High School for Arts and Business last year.

After students and staffers raved about the benefits of the free tampons and sanitary napkins, such as fewer classroom emergencies, Ferreras-Copeland sought to expand the effort.

She worked with the Education Department to select two districts for the expansion, choosing to bring the dispensers to all middle schools and high schools in District 24 in Queens and District 9 in the Bronx.

“Girls in these districts face the greatest financial hardships,” Ferreras-Copeland said. “I want to ensure none of them lose class time, face illness or feel humiliated because their family cannot afford pads.”

The city currently has no mandate for public schools to provide feminine hygiene products. But many schools carry them and they are often distributed by school nurses.

Arts and Business High School sophomore Ashley Celik said bathroom dispensers are a far better solution.

“You feel more confident and don’t feel as nervous,” said Ashley, 15. “You can just grab it whenever you need it. It’s there for you.”

Education Department officials said the program will carry a price tag of roughly $160,000 this year.

Source The Daily News - Newyork