Charlotte’s New Initiative to Support Students in Need of Period Products
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, N.C., a local nonprofit is stepping up to address an often-overlooked challenge faced by many students: the lack of access to period products. The Diaper Bank of North Carolina recently launched an innovative pilot program this school year in collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), specifically targeting Title I schools, which predominantly serve high-poverty communities that could use a little extra support.
Breaking the Silence on Menstrual Health
While conversations about menstrual cycles and period products can feel a bit awkward, the Diaper Bank is working hard to change that narrative. Michelle Schaefer, the founder and CEO of the organization, openly shared her thoughts on the stigma surrounding these discussions. “For a very long time, talking about periods was taboo,” she stated. “We even have some groups that will say, ‘We’ll collect those diapers, but we won’t collect period products,’ and whisper it as if it’s a bad word.”
Schaefer emphasized how crucial it is to engage in these conversations with schools. She remarked that in general, schools are quite receptive to understanding the needs of their students. However, many of them face budget restrictions that prevent them from purchasing these necessary supplies themselves. “By and large, schools are open to understanding the need and helping us get the products into the school, but they also do not have the funds,” she explained.
Filling the Gaps with the Period Power Initiative
That’s where the group’s Period Power initiative comes into play! This fantastic program is already making a significant impact by providing essential period products to over 400 schools across the state. Schaefer pointed out a staggering statistic: “One in four students miss school because they do not have the period products that they need every single month.” She firmly believes that “No one should have to choose between having their period and going to class.”
Keeping Students in Class
At the Diaper Bank’s local warehouse, manager Avery Payne has been busy sorting and packing a variety of period products, along with what they call “flow kits,” into boxes meant for school representatives to pick up. The organization is excited to send shipments to two more CMS schools in the coming week, and they have a bold vision to ensure that period products are available in every school across North Carolina in the future. The pilot schools involved in this initiative are Thomasboro Academy and West Charlotte High School.
“It’s really important that students have what they need so that they can stay in class and focus on what they need to focus on,” Schaefer remarked, underscoring her commitment to student well-being and academic success.
A Community Supporting Each Other
The collaboration between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the Diaper Bank highlights the school system’s dedication to not just education but holistic care for its students. A spokesperson from CMS stated, “Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is proud to partner with WellCare and the NC Diaper Bank to provide feminine hygiene products to students at both Thomasboro Academy and West Charlotte High School. School is about more than just education in the classroom – it’s where students are fed, cared for, encouraged, and supported. This initiative provides another layer of support to meet the needs of our community and students where they are.”
Getting Involved
As this initiative continues to grow, the Diaper Bank welcomes community involvement! They accept monetary donations through their website and maintain an Amazon wish list featuring additional items like leggings and underwear for students who may need them at school.
In a world where it’s easy to feel disconnected, it’s heartening to see organizations like the Diaper Bank working towards ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive. With a little help, Charlotte is taking significant strides towards creating a more inclusive environment for all students!
