A recent study has revealed alarming statistics about the challenges faced by teens in Pennsylvania schools, prompting a local initiative called "The DOT" to take action.
According to the research conducted, two-thirds of the surveyed teenagers reported feeling stressed due to the lack of access to menstrual products in their schools. Shockingly, 66% stated that they do not want to attend school during their period, and a staggering 84% have either missed a class or know someone who missed it due to the unavailability of menstrual products.
DuBois Area School District Superintendent Wendy Benton said, "My initial response was to contact the big brand companies to determine if there were any grants available to support this need. Finding none, I learned that while some states require school districts to provide free menstruation products in schools, the state of Pennsylvania does not. Next, we reached out to We Care for Kids to see what support they may offer."
DuBois Area School District Superintendent Wendy Benton said, "My initial response was to contact the big brand companies to determine if there were any grants available to support this need. Finding none, I learned that while some states require school districts to provide free menstruation products in schools, the state of Pennsylvania does not. Next, we reached out to We Care for Kids to see what support they may offer."
Enter "The DOT" program. Taking the lead, Susan Hassan crafted a comprehensive program that aims to tackle menstruation poverty in our schools. The DOT program not only provides menstrual product dispensers but also explores various options and secures community donors committed to supplying one year's worth of products for each installed dispenser.
The program is set to launch with a small but impactful step: installing a dispenser in the girls' locker room at DAHS. If successful, there are plans to expand the initiative by adding more dispensers within the High School restrooms. Future considerations also include implementing the program at the Middle School level.
Already, We Care for Kids has demonstrated its commitment to supporting students by providing a cart in the girls' locker room stocked with essentials such as deodorant, dry shampoo, underwear, socks, and additional feminine hygiene products. The response from students and health and physical education teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives.
Research indicates that schools offering free menstrual products often experience a notable increase in attendance rates, up to 6%. With the launch of "The DOT" program, the community is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of students, ensuring they have the resources they need to focus on their education without the burden of menstruation poverty. The community expresses gratitude for the support of We Care for Kids and eagerly anticipates the positive outcomes this initiative will bring.
The program is set to launch with a small but impactful step: installing a dispenser in the girls' locker room at DAHS. If successful, there are plans to expand the initiative by adding more dispensers within the High School restrooms. Future considerations also include implementing the program at the Middle School level.
Already, We Care for Kids has demonstrated its commitment to supporting students by providing a cart in the girls' locker room stocked with essentials such as deodorant, dry shampoo, underwear, socks, and additional feminine hygiene products. The response from students and health and physical education teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives.
Research indicates that schools offering free menstrual products often experience a notable increase in attendance rates, up to 6%. With the launch of "The DOT" program, the community is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of students, ensuring they have the resources they need to focus on their education without the burden of menstruation poverty. The community expresses gratitude for the support of We Care for Kids and eagerly anticipates the positive outcomes this initiative will bring.
