In October, Toledo City Council voted to allocate $50,000 toward a pilot program to install dispensers with free menstrual products in more than 100 high-traffic city building bathrooms.
We do not want Toledoans to have to choose between dignity and daily life. We know that often menstrual products are seen as a luxury instead of a basic need. We think it’s a basic need.
Toledo City Council President Carrie Hartman
One in four teens and one in three adults struggle to afford menstrual products, Hartman said. “We’re trying to eliminate those barriers by placing them in our public restrooms for free.”
Hartman was joined by Councilmen Nick Komives, Brittany Jones, and Cerssandra McPherson and Public Service Director Megan Robson at a news conference at the Ottawa Park ice rink on Thursday, March 6, where the first Aunt Flow dispenser was installed.
The public service department will be installing the dispensers in all city buildings, in both men’s and women’s restrooms, in two phases, Robson said. Larger locations will receive them first.
In addition to Ottawa Park, One Government Center, the Safety Building, Toledo Municipal Court, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, and all community and senior centers are part of the first phase.
City parks will get them in the second phase scheduled in the spring, she said.
City officials spoke about the need for the products to be readily available when the unexpected occasionally occurs.
We work really hard to provide basic services to the city of Toledo. We see this as another basic service to give to the community.
Toledo City Council President Carrie Hartman
Conversations about access to period products should not be embarrassing, Jones said.
Things happen. This is something we should be comfortable with in providing access to available period products for the public.
Brittany Jones
Forty-four percent of teen menstruators report stress and embarrassment due to a lack of access, Jones said.
It’s a good use of taxpayer money. I hope this will further the conversation of menstruating women and the challenges we face every day.
Brittany Jones
“It’s a great idea,” McPherson said. “Every woman should be able to afford and have those personal necessities. A lot of people can’t afford it. Now it’s here and it’s free.”
Mr. Komives said the menstrual products should not be considered any differently than common items found in a bathroom like paper towels and toilet paper.
We already offer those in our bathrooms. Residents should have all the things they need that would be in their own bathrooms.
Nick Komives
The organic products include both sanitary pads and tampons. Last fall, the council approved a contract for $50,000 for one year with Aunt Flow. Aunt Flow’s Founder and CEO, Claire Coder, is a Sylvania native.
