The Menstrual Products Initiative pilot program is providing pads and tampons free of cost to any JHU student, employee, faculty, or affiliate, with hopes of reducing the number of emergencies anyone may face due to the unpredictable nature of periods.
The initiative will span 10 weeks, from Feb. 10 to April 20. Dispensers are installed in 10 female or all-gender bathrooms across campus. Refer to Wings' website for more details on the initiative, how it can serve you, and check out the MPI map to find the closest dispenser to you. You may also find out more on the initiative's Facebook page.
Wings circulated a campuswide survey called "Menstrual Products in JHU Bathrooms: Needs and Climate Assessment" in late December 2018–January 2019, which gathered over 1,000 responses from the JHU Homewood community, including students, staff, and faculty. With the overwhelmingly positive responses gathered from this survey, the conversation between Wings, Women and Gender Resources, DOSL, Facilities, and other administrators regarding a potential menstrual products initiative started to rapidly gain momentum.
Wings will also be hosting monthly check-ins and feedback events during the pilot program. Follow Wings JHU on Facebook or Instagram to attend these events. The first feedback event will be on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Wings' "Nugs for Hugs" survey outreach and fundraiser event. Your feedback and assistance in measuring the impact of this program will help in the planning of the long-term program for the university, especially if this pilot program is a success.
Please also do not hesitate to contact the organizers of this initiative, Wings, by email: wingsjhu@gmail.com, or connect with them on Facebook if you have any questions, feedback, or interest in involvement.
