Breaking barriers to menstrual equity

Media Contacts:

• Jennifer Ciaccia, Cuyahoga County Press Secretary — (216) 250-5863, jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.gov
• Deonna Kirkpatrick, Cuyahoga County Dept. of Children and Family Services — (216) 647-2475, dkirkpatrick@jfs.ohio.gov
• Jo Levin, Hunger Network — 216-224-9591, jlevin@hungernetwork.org

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services is teaming up with Hunger Network to fight period poverty.

We will host a donation drive to collect menstrual products for women and girls in need on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Hunger Network MidTown Market, located at 4415 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland.

“At Hunger Network, we believe that everyone deserves access to basic health necessities without compromising their dignity,” said Julie M. Johnson, CEO of Hunger Network. “Let’s unite to change this narrative and ensure that every woman and girl can thrive with dignity and confidence year-round.”

In Ohio, 1 in 6 women and girls aged 12 to 44 live below the Federal Poverty Level. This means they regularly struggle to afford not just food, but also essential menstrual health products. These obstacles often prevent them from being fully engaged in daily life, affecting their personal growth and the overall well-being of our communities.

“Improving our community cannot happen without focusing on the needs of girls and women," said Health and Human Services Director David Merriman. “They are critical members of our community and making sure they have the supplies and support they need to be their best at school, work, and home is essential to helping our families thrive.”

“The stigma that shrouds periods prevents people from talking about it, which exacerbates the physical, mental, and emotional challenges around lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products,” said Cuyahoga County District 9 Councilwoman Meredith M. Turner. “I applaud the Hunger Network for spearheading this donation drive to help women and girls in our community and urge residents to donate if they are able.”

We are collecting all period products, including:

• tampons
• pads
• panty liners
• menstrual cups
• period underwear

Donors can also make a monetary donation here.

All donations will be available to residents in need at the Hunger Network’s MidTown Market.