The Berrien County Health Department wants to learn more about Period Poverty in the area and has launched a survey to gather information.
Department sexual health nurse Emmeline Schwarz told us what Period Poverty is.
“It’s basically where women are unable to afford period supplies such as pads or tampons,” Schwartz said. “Why this is significant is there are women — about one in four — who state that they can’t afford supplies in the U.S. and then one in five state that they have missed school or work.”
With the new survey, the health department is looking to find out how many women locally do miss school or work, and also what they need. Schwarz says that could lead to new programs.
“What we can do with that information once we’re able to analyze it is use that information to apply for a grant so we could provide free period supplies such as pads or tampons to our community.”
In addition to causing missed work or school, Schwartz says Period Poverty could lead to health problems due to things like toxic shock.
You can find the survey right here. Women in Berrien County are asked to fill it out.
The Berrien County Health Department is also collecting period products it will make available to women and girls at its Benton Harbor and Niles offices this month. Anyone can stop by and make a donation.
