BEDFORD — Health Connection of Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. has announced the start of its 2025 Pad and Tampon Drive, a community initiative aimed at addressing menstrual poverty and promoting health equity. The drive, which runs from August to September, focuses on providing students in local schools with the menstrual hygiene supplies they need to succeed.
According to the organization, menstrual poverty continues to impact education, with nearly 1 in 5 girls in the United States having missed school due to a lack of access to menstrual products. The drive seeks to remove this barrier, allowing students to focus on learning without interruption.
“Menstrual health is a human right, not a privilege,” said Michelle Pitcher, Clinical Services Director. “By working together as a community, we can eliminate one of the most preventable causes of missed school days and help students feel supported.”
The public is invited to contribute to the drive, with all donations going to schools that serve vulnerable populations. Donations can be made in several ways:
- Drop-Off: Unopened packages of pads, tampons, panty liners, and other menstrual products can be dropped off at any Health Connection clinic.
- Pick-Up: Donors can contact their local clinic to arrange a product pick-up.
- Amazon Wish Lists: Donations can be shipped directly to a specific county via Amazon wish lists for Knox, Lawrence, Vigo, Daviess, and Sullivan counties.
The drive highlights the importance of access to these products for school attendance, mental health, and self-esteem. By participating, community members can help break down barriers and ensure no student’s education is disrupted by a natural biological process.
For more information, contact Dr. Michelle Pitcher at mpitcher@pacecaa.org.
