Louisville to provide free menstrual products in restrooms, launching an effort to 'create period equity'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The city of Louisville is taking steps to make sure everyone has equal access to menstruation products.

Mayor Craig Greenberg proclaimed October 14 as Period Action Day. Louisville Metro Government launched a pilot program to promote period and gender equity and address health barriers for those who menstruate.

Dispensers carrying free period products were installed in 18 public restrooms at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and Metro Hall. Metro Sewer District also donated period product disposal bins to Louisville Metro Parks to improve hygiene and prevent period products from entering the water system.

"I am asking everyone in this community to join us and join more than 5,000 Louisville Metro Government employees and Mayor Craig Greenberg in this effort to create period equity and to eliminate period poverty," Deputy Mayor Barbara Sexton Smith said.

Data shows about 20% of Kentucky women live in poverty, and one in five teenagers cannot afford period products.

"Lack of access to period products can lead to lowered productivity by workers and students missing school," Connie Mendel, interim chief health strategist for Louisville Metro, said in a news release Friday. "It can also lead to mental health issues, like depression. This is due, in part, to stigma and the feeling of embarrassment and shame. Additionally, those who lack access to period products may try to extend the life of a tampon, for instance, which could lead to health complications including toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening infection."