New York City School Gets First Free Tampon Dispenser

Teens at the High School for Arts and Business in Corona, Queens, won’t ever have to worry if they forget to bring a tampon. New York City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland unveiled the first dispenser offering free feminine hygiene products at the school on Tuesday. The machine will be stocked with free maxi pads and tampons courtesy of Maxithins and Tampax, respectively, for the whole school year.

In June, Ferreras-Copeland spoke about her proposed legislation which would allow all junior high and high school students in New York City to receive free feminine hygiene products. She also wants to give access to these products to women in homeless shelters and prisons, reports Yahoo Health. The bill would also eliminate state tax and have products included in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Obviously we need this to happen nationwide.

“Offering free menstrual care supplies as we do toilet paper and condoms is a matter of avoiding health risks, eliminating the stigma that surrounds a natural part of a woman’s life, and for girls in school, not having to skip class because they got their period,” Ferreras-Copeland told Queens Courier. “Feminine hygiene products allow women and girls to carry out their daily responsibilities uninterrupted, and they should always be easily accessible.”