Wanted: Menstrual Products?!

Every year, Binghamton Metro Doulas hosts a collection drive during the month of March (Women's History Month) for menstrual products, to benefit RISE in Endicott. It's our way to give back to our community and do our part for reproductive health equity.

Menstruating is expensive.

It's estimated that the cost of menstrual products over a lifetime could be as high as $6,000. This is especially true if you have a longer, heavier flow, or if you want to buy "specialty" products (eg: for sports, organic, eco-friendly, etc.). Now add in other items like over-the-counter medication, underwear, heating pads - you get the picture.

It's no wonder that "period poverty" is a real thing that impacts millions of people right here in the US. A recent survey of low-income women found that two-thirds couldn't afford menstrual supplies the previous year. Oftentimes, this results in makeshift solutions using rags, toilet paper, or even diapers. Click here to donate menstrual supplies.

Aren't these called "feminine hygiene" products?

During the Great Depression, the birth control industry, unable to directly market contraceptives, used the term "feminine hygiene" to sell products like douches and suppositories, promoting them as hygiene products rather than contraceptives. While claiming to empower women, the feminine hygiene industry has historically exploited menstrual taboos for profit, reinforcing the idea that menstruation is something to be hidden. 

Unfortunately, this legacy persists today, with euphemisms still used to avoid the word "menstruation," making it taboo to speak openly about it. 

This is why we purposefully use the word "menstrual" in our campaign name—to challenge these stigmas, promote self-acceptance, and encourage open, honest conversations about menstruation, free from shame.

What is RISE?

RISE offers comprehensive domestic violence services to the Greater Binghamton area. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes. And because these necessary products are especially hard to come by for those who live in poverty or have been displaced, RISE is the perfect recipient for these donations. Learn more about them here.

Where can I donate?

We love partnering with local businesses to make it easy for community members to donate.

Check out the drop-off locations we have rallied up for this year!

👉🏽 This year's locations.

Thank you for joining us in this community effort!