<div>A two-week menstrual hygiene product drive will be held at North Dakota State University from Oct. 15-25, 2024. The drive, organized by Student Health Services, aims to collect essential items such as tampons, sanitary pads and other hygiene products, addressing the growing concerns about menstrual product accessibility on campus. Faculty and staff are encouraged to donate items at designated drop-off locations. The drive was inspired by comments from students using the Flow on the Go program, a supplemental menstrual product distribution and hygiene education initiative at NDSU. “We noticed an increasing number of comments from students saying there weren’t enough products available, which made us realize the extent of the need,” said Alyssa Rios-Lickfeldt, the main spokesperson for Flow on the Go. Flow on the Go is partially funded by NDSU Student Government and works to provide menstrual products and hygiene education to students, contributing to their overall health and well-being. In addition to collecting products, the organizers hope the drive will raise awareness about the broader issues of menstrual health and period poverty. In many parts of the world, people lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene products, leading to severe consequences like infections, missed school days and even early dropout rates. “Menstruation is considered taboo in Africa, where I spent part of my childhood. In order to manage their periods, the majority of girls and women without access to sanitary pads utilize unhygienic alternatives like cotton or thick layered fabrics, which can quickly become moist and cause urinary tract infections,” said Barbara Augustino, NDSU Campus Wellness Educator and president of the Counsel Committee of Wellbeing. “Most girls missed 20% of the school year due to menstruation, which caused them to fall behind in their studies and drop out, resulting in early girl child marriage and motherhood.” In some cultures, young girls are forced to stay home during their periods, which can hinder their education and future opportunities.&nbsp;“It’s important to understand that menstrual health is not just a personal issue—it’s a public health issue,” said Payton Drent, president of the Public Health Association. “By raising awareness, we hope to start conversations about menstrual health, especially among young girls who may not have the resources or education they need.” Previous efforts to improve menstrual product access at NDSU have been well-received. A similar drive last year resulted in over 1,200 products being donated to the free pantry. “Menstrual health is often overlooked, but it’s a vital part of overall well-being,” Augustino said. “This drive is about more than just donating products. It’s about empowering students and reducing the stigma surrounding periods. Simply put, menstrual health and hygiene are human rights issues that everyone should be talking about. When we assist all menstruating people in managing their periods, we empower them at a vital point in their life and allow them to live actively and with dignity within our society.” In addition to helping students on campus, the drive also highlights a broader issue of “period poverty” in North Dakota. Public health experts have noted that some rural areas in the statehave limited access to menstrual products, with some residents facing a 50-minute drive to purchase basic necessities. The “pink tax,” or the higher cost of menstrual products compared to other essentials, further compounds the problem. Organizers hope the drive will become an annual initiative and help foster a more supportive environment for menstrual health on campus. Students needing these products will be able to access them after the drive at high-traffic locations, including the Wellness Center and the NDSU Library, with plans to restock as needed. For those interested in learning more about menstrual health, NDSU Health Promotions is available to provide further information. Drop-off locations include: ● Office of the Provost, Old Main ● Wellness Center, customer service desk ● Office of Research and Creative Activity, Research 1 Building, front desk ● NDSU Library, front desk ● Counseling Education Department, Morrill Hall, Room 221 ● Public Health Department, Aldevron Tower</div>

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Menstrual Hygiene Product Drive Held on Campus

A two-week menstrual hygiene product drive will be held at North Dakota State University from Oct. 15-25, 2024. The drive, organized by Student Health Services, aims to collect essential items such as tampons, sanitary pads and other hygiene products, addressing the growing concerns about menstrual product accessibility on campus. Faculty and staff are encouraged to donate items at designated drop-off locations.