Northumberland United Way is marking Menstrual Health Day on May 28 by highlighting the growing impact of its Period Promise and Hygiene Cabinet initiative across the county.
The community driven program works to improve access to free menstrual and hygiene products while helping reduce stigma surrounding period poverty and hygiene insecurity.
At the centre of the initiative are hygiene cabinets placed throughout trusted community locations including Community Health Centre Northumberland, Northumberland County Social Services, Community Living & Respite Cobourg, Campbellford Library, and rural food banks.
The cabinets provide discreet access to products including tampons, pads, panty liners, body care supplies, and incontinence products for residents experiencing financial hardship or other barriers to access.
United Way says the initiative also includes Dignity Kits, containing a month’s supply of menstrual products to help individuals maintain reliable access to essential items.
Amanda Bedwell of Northumberland County Community & Social Services says the program helps remove barriers that can impact health, work, school, and participation in community life.
United Way officials say demand for products remains high throughout Northumberland and that maintaining visible, accessible hygiene support locations continues to be a priority.
Community members can support the initiative through donations of menstrual and hygiene products or through financial contributions helping expand the program further across the county.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
