City of Dallas launches Period Access Dallas program

Dallas – The City of Dallas Office of Community Care (OCC), in partnership with Dallas Public Library and Dallas Park and Recreation, are celebrating the World Health Organization’s Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28 with the launch of Period Access Dallas (PAD).

The American Rescue Plan Act grant-funded program will provide free feminine hygiene products, including pads, tampons and pantiliners, in high-poverty neighborhoods at public facilities including recreation centers, community centers, branch libraries and WIC clinics.

Menstrual hygiene is fundamental to a person’s dignity and wellbeing, and an important part of basic hygiene, sanitation and reproductive health services. Many individuals do not have access to materials for managing their periods in a safe and hygienic manner.

 “Girls and women are more likely to miss school or work during their periods if they can’t afford menstrual products,” said Office of Community Care Director Jessica Galleshaw. “This program will build gender equity so people don’t suffer through lost educational opportunities or employment income if they can’t affordably access pads or tampons.”

Distributions will be targeted within Qualifying Census Tracts, low-income communities adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic still in need of assistance to recover. Initial locations for distribution will be the OCC’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and West Dallas Community Center. Expansion of locations can be viewed on the OCC PAD website here: bit.ly/OCCPAD

Check out the PAD Public Service Announcements:

OCCPAD Interview video: https://youtu.be/hebt9yo-bdQ

OCCPAD PSA Longer video: https://youtu.be/Xf3aE5DAP6k