Springfield organization brings awareness to period poverty in the Ozarks

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Feminine hygiene products are currently not covered by SNAP, so local organizations are stepping up to fill in the gaps.

May 11-17 is Period Poverty Awareness Week, a time for everyone to pay attention to an issue that affects more people than you might realize.

1 in 4 people struggle to purchase the necessary menstrual products every month. This can lead to them missing class or work or using makeshift products.

“They’re having to choose between their education and their dignity,” said Tranna Shaughnessy, the Program Director for Diaper Bank of the Ozarks. “Those are not choices that they should have to make.”

In the Ozarks, Crosslines Community Outreach helps through the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks. They bring in thousands of products in a wide variety, so no one has to wonder where to get their next supplies.

Mailyn Marsh, the current Miss Teen USA and Ozark resident, has been bringing awareness to this issue for years.

“When I first got into learning about it and trying to educate others,” she said, “I actually did a drive with my school, Ozark High School, and my community. The turnout from everybody and the support were just so wonderful. A community really will come together to support its women and its girls, and I think it’s so beautiful.”

She says there are things everyone can do to help. She suggests hosting drives for period products in your community, helping your local diaper bank, donating, or even just carrying some extra products with you to help someone in need.

“Always having a tampon on hand in the bathroom or something like that,” said Marsh, “because everyone has been in a situation where it’s a little scary, and the unfortunate fact for some people is that that is their life every single day.”

The Diaper Bank of the Ozarks has even started to get in a limited number of menstrual cups, a reusable, and therefore more permanent, solution.

“I want the stigma to stop around periods,” Marsh said, “and I want people to know that it’s not gross. It’s nothing to be embarrassed of. To continue to move up as a society, we need to start by empowering and supporting our women and making sure they feel comfortable and supported during every time of the month.”

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