As one in five U.S. teens struggle to afford menstrual products or are not able to purchase them at all, two local organizations are holding a monthlong drive to help improve access to these products during Women’s Health Month.

Washington for Justice and Optimae LifeServices are hosting a menstrual health donation drive this May to also raise awareness of Menstrual Health Day on May 28th. Washington for Justice Associate Director Bethany Glinsmann says the health and human services provider reached out to her organization a few months ago to see how they can work together to support the Washington and surrounding communities, “This was just an idea that someone at Optimae had and we were glad to jump on board and help support this initiative, because menstrual health is an extremely important issue and something that we don’t talk about enough. And period poverty is real, even here in our community in Washington. And so if we can raise some awareness about that issue and help provide products to those in need then it’s kind of a win win.”

Glinsmann adds that menstrual hygiene products do not fall under SNAP benefits, and around two-thirds of low-income women cannot afford these products at least once a year, according to the Iowa Youth Congress. Items like tampons, pads, menstruation cups, soap, and deodorant can be dropped off now through May 31st at the Optimae Washington office or at the Washington Public Library. Donations will be distributed to The Lighthouse Center homeless shelter and food pantry in Washington. You can make an online donation by visiting here.