'A public health issue': Period Poverty Awareness Week addresses lack of access to menstrual supplies in Milwaukee

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin is one of 21 states that taxes menstruation supplies, similarly to other luxury items like makeup, electronics, and toys.

In the United States, two in every five menstruators struggle to purchase period products, and over one in three low-income people report missing work, school, or other events due to a lack of supply access.

That's why the Milwaukee Diaper Mission has worked since its launch in late 2020 to donate nearly 650,000 menstrual products to the local community.

"As Milwaukee's basic needs bank, supporting families with essentials like period supplies is our number one priority," said Executive Director Meagan Johnson. "We are a vital resource for Milwaukee menstruators."

Each month, the organization is able to support more than 1,200 people with period kits that are filled with both reusable and disposable supplies of all sizes and absorbencies.

"People should be able to use the period products they're most comfortable with, regardless of their income," Johnson said. "Access to basic essentials like period products is a public health issue."

On Monday, officials held a press conference highlighting May 20 to May 28 as Period Poverty Awareness Week.

"The issue of period poverty does not get the attention it deserves, considering how many people are impacted," said Shakita LaGrant McClain, the executive director for the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services.

To learn more or to donate, click here.