Feminine Hygiene Community Boxes unveiled in downtown Louisville promote women's health, wellness

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Boxes popping up on corners around downtown Louisville's LouMed District are promoting women's health.

Anyone can open the Feminine Hygiene Community Boxes and take whatever they may need. The goal is to help people who might not be able to afford some of those products.

They're similar to the Little Free Libraries or pantries you see around town, but the boxes offer feminine products to those in need.

Two boxes were unveiled Monday by UofL medical students, one at the corner of South Preston Street and East Muhammad Ali Boulevard, and the other at East Chestnut and South Floyd streets on UofL's Medical School campus.

According to Reuters, a survey of low-income women in a large U.S. city found nearly two-thirds of them couldn't afford hygiene products the previous year.

Instead, the women often used paper towels or toilet paper from public restrooms. The National Organization for Women said that can often lead to infections.

The UofL medical students said their Community Feminine Hygiene Project addresses the critical need for access in underserved communities, including those who are low-income or experiencing homelessness.

"Just to show that we're here for our community, and to have these products to say we're excited to (improve the) wellness of everyone to make sure everyone knows how to take care of themselves," UofL medical student Leshaia Davis- Johnson said. "Women's health is important, but also overall wellness is important."

The boxes also have inspirational cards inside to give people a boost.

The medical students hope others will adopt their idea around the city. The boxes can be sponsored for different neighborhoods. To inquire, email louisville@snma.org.