Nonprofit awarded $2M state grant to address menstrual equity

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The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) awarded the Diaper Bank of Connecticut (DBCT), the Connecticut Chapter of the Alliance for Period Supplies, a menstrual equity grant. DBCT will receive $1.95 million over the next two years to supply eligible public schools with period products. "It really is critical to ensure that everyone has the same level of access to the supplies they need where and when they need them." said Janet Stolfi Alfano, CEO of the Diaper Bank of Connecticut. According to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut, prior to the pandemic, four in five students reported missing class time or knew of someone who did because they lacked access to period supplies. In 2022, Connecticut's Menstrual Equity Law required all public school's third through 12th grade to offer free and accessible period products in student restrooms. This grant will allow the nonprofit to buy pads and tampons in bulk and target the public schools in the state with the most need. "We want to just make sure that our students are fully engaged and enjoying school and attending regularly." said Alfano. "