Press Releases
10/15/2024
DPH and the Diaper Bank of Connecticut to deliver first distribution of period supplies to public schools
HARTFORD, Conn.--The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced a strategic partnership with the Diaper Bank of Connecticut (DBCT), the Connecticut Chapter of the Alliance for Period Supplies to address the pressing need for period supplies across the state. The two-year funding allocation will enable DBCT to bulk order period supplies and distribute them directly to schools with the highest need, as guided by DPH.
DBCT is set to deliver period supplies to over 100 schools throughout the state this October. This is only the beginning, as DBCT plans to add on approximately 100 additional schools each month through the end of the year. Enrolled schools are set to receive quarterly deliveries of period supplies, supporting the implementation of the Menstrual Equity Law, which mandates that all public schools serving students in grades 3 through 12 provide free and accessible period products in student restrooms.
Although there is no funding for dispensers, DPH and DBCT have been working to share more cost effective solutions. Some schools have chosen to buy traditional dispensers, while many are using baskets or folders affixed to the walls or tote bags.
"Working directly with schools to support students who menstruate has been a rewarding experience," said Jenny Kohl, Project Manager at The Diaper Bank of Connecticut. "We are grateful for the collaboration, flexibility, and guidance we’ve received from the schools. Our shared goal is to find solutions that work for everyone while prioritizing the essential support for our students."
"We are excited to see this program launch in our schools and proud to see the Diaper Bank bring the vision of an equitable distribution plan to life. No person should experience stigma related to their period or miss school because they cannot access the period products they need. I'm grateful that DPH can play a role in helping kids comfortably stay in school," says DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD.
“We fully support the goal of equity in the availability of period supplies to our students. We appreciate the foresight of state legislators who realized that the cost of compliance with a new mandate would challenge certain school districts”, said Michael Carter, operations lead for the New Haven Public Schools. “We most appreciate that the people of Diaper Bank have worked alongside us to ensure we are achieving the goals of the program.”
"We are grateful for our partnership with the Diaper Bank, which enables us to provide essential menstrual products in our schools. This initiative supports our students' health and well-being, ensuring that no one has to face barriers to their education due to lack of access to these important products,” say Naugatuck Public Schools.
"We are deeply grateful for this initiative. Every child must have access to hygiene supplies. As a family resource coordinator, I am always seeking meaningful ways to support our students and families. This initiative ensures that we are prepared to assist young students when they need it most,” says Mr. Kyle Crocetto, Family Resource Coordinator at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Waterbury.
"Increased access to menstrual products not only improves our students' health and academic success but provides a basic sense of dignity. I worked closely with students, advocates, and fellow legislators across Connecticut to introduce and champion our state's new menstrual equity law along with funding to address period poverty in our schools,” said State Representative Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford, Newington). “Thank you to the Department of Public Health and the Diaper Bank of Connecticut for their work to implement this law and distribute products to students most in need."