NORRISTOWN – All facilities will soon be supplied with free period products, a spokesperson said Monday. Officials cited the need for increasing accessibility and reducing financial burdens for area residents and visitors in need of period-related products. The items will be available in bathrooms across several properties, including courthouses, historic sites and other offices, such as the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
Commissioners were unanimous in their support for this initiative as shown in the statement issued late Monday. “For those who have to make tough decisions about paying bills, buying food, or looking after their health, period products often end up at the bottom of the list, even though they are essential items,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder said in a statement. “Stocking bathrooms in county buildings helps alleviate period poverty and ensures that our most vulnerable residents, including those with limited incomes and unstable housing, feel cared for.
” “Making period products available in county buildings is no different than providing toilet paper and soap,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija. “These are not luxury items – it’s basic public health and hygiene.” “As county leaders we recognize the value of choosing to provide assistance to our residents, even when we don’t have to,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Thomas DiBello.
“By stocking products in our county buildings, we can provide relief to some of our residents in Montgomery County.” While period supplies are available for free at some buildings, a spokesperson stressed the need for products to be “regularly stocked” at all county-owned facilities. The issue has come up in legislation throughout the Pennsylvania General Assembly in Harrisburg, according to a county spokesperson.
State senators Amanda Cappelletti, D-17th Dist. and Maria Collett, D-12th Dist. proposed , otherwise known as the Menstrual Equity Act, which if passed would mandate the “provision of disposable menstrual products” for individuals who are homeless, incarnated, low-income, or in school.
“Everyone should have access to the menstrual products they need to live healthy, productive lives, but we know that’s not the reality for far too many of our neighbors,” Collett said in a statement. “As a nurse – and as a lawmaker who has prioritized menstrual equity since taking office – I’m so thrilled to see my home county leading the way here.” “With today’s announcement, and with the $3 million we secured to provide period products in Pennsylvania’s public schools through this year’s state budget, the momentum is on our side,” she continued.
“Now more than ever, it’s time for the state to follow Montco’s lead and pass my and Sen. Cappelletti’s Menstrual Equity Act to put these essential products in public restrooms across our commonwealth.” Other House bills aim to alleviate hardships for those on financial assistance programs.
While period products are considered “paper goods” and not taxed as part of Pennsylvania’s tax code, they’re not eligible for SNAP and WIC benefits, according to a county spokesperson. aimed to permit a “waiver to purchase diapers or menstrual hygiene products,” according to the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s website. Additionally, was also amended to propose the implementation of the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant Program, which would ensure period products be supplied in public schools.
Of that passed last month, $3 million was allocated to have free pads and tampons available for students. Both pieces of legislation have since moved onto the state Senate, according to a county spokesperson. “The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women commends Montgomery County for addressing menstrual equity in their community, just like we have in the Shapiro Administration,” Commission on Women Executive Director Moriah Hathaway said in a statement.
“First Lady Lori Shapiro has been a steadfast advocate for this issue and a champion for reducing period stigma, and the Shapiro Administration secured $3 million in the 2024-25 budget to provide pads and tampons to school students at no cost – and adding free menstrual products in restrooms is a great step forward. The Commission believes that women and girls across the commonwealth deserve to have access to these products and Montgomery County is leading the way.”.
