In response to a local need, the Brown County Public Library District hopes to combat period poverty by holding a menstrual hygiene drive that will benefit the community in Brown County. Inspired by the annual Quincy Public Library's Menstrual Hygiene Drive, Brown County Public Library District will be collecting menstrual hygiene items such as pads and tampons during March.

If you don't have time to purchase and drop off the supplies, you can donate to the cause, which will allow us to purchase the supplies and distribute them to local organizations.

Period poverty is an issue that includes not only a lack of access to menstrual hygiene supplies but also encompasses the lack of education surrounding menstruation. Despite there being no sales tax charged on period products in Illinois, menstruating individuals face a hidden cost known as the pink tax. The pink tax is the increased price of goods that are specifically marketed to women. This can include items such as clothes, razors, soap, and tampons. Although there is no direct male equivalent of pads or tampons, it is considered a "luxury" item specific to menstruating individuals, thus the increase in cost for items like pads and tampons. 

In the United States, 2 in 5 menstruating individuals struggle to purchase supplies for menstrual hygiene. When it comes to choosing between paying bills, buying groceries, or prescriptions, pads and tampons might be considered less of a priority. By donating to this campaign, you are making a direct and localized impact on period poverty in Brown County. This helps individuals continue to attend work, school, extracurriculars, and better care for their physical and mental health. 

The items that are donated this year will be distributed to Two Rivers Food Distribution, the BCHS Care Closet, and the Versailles Free Mini Pantry. If you would like to learn more, please contact Chloe Reich via email at chloe@bcpubliclibrary.org