February SPOTlight: Help End Period Povery
Who: Girls Who Give Back & TWR for The SPOT Period
What: Donation Drive to help End Period Poverty
Where: 216 Church St 1st floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: 2.14-2.28
Why: Over 500 million individuals do not have access to feminine hygiene products. Currently 35 states view these items as luxury goods and impose sales tax, also known as the “tampon tax,” on menstrual hygiene products.)
Period poverty is a term for the social, political, economic, and cultural barriers people face when it comes to accessing menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, and sanitation. Things such as access to running water and sanitation products are a huge barrier for many underserved communities.
On February 20th, 2021 No More Secrets Mind and Spa opened the SPOT Period. Located in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, the SPOT is dedicated to ending period poverty “to decrease uterine care and menstrual health disparities in underserved communities through the eradication of societal stigma”. They have offices, a reception area, computer room, storage space for menstrual supplies and a “Breonna Taylor” safe room. The Breonna Taylor room provides a safe space for women and girls to discuss crucial conversations regarding bodily autonomy, consent, healthy relationships, health and hygiene, uterine care, and more.
The SPOT gave out over 2 million menstrual products last year and was named one of the best rising wellness organizations in the city 2021.
Other ways to get involved: advocate! Write, vote and urge your local representative to pass bills that include menstrual products as a part of government benefits, SNAP, etc.
To request supplies go here:
https://www.nomoresecretsmbs.org/request-mesntrual-supplies
Accepted Items: Always maxi padS, extra heavy Overnight Pads with wings, Purple Always maxi pads Overnight Pads maxi with wings, Orange Always thin extra heavy Overnight Pads with wings, Purple Always thin pads Overnight Pads maxi with wings, Pantyliners all sizes & brands, Toiletries, Lotion, Body wasH, Feminine WasH, Soap, Deodorant, Baby wipes,feminine wipes
Drop off Locations:
The Wellness Refinery
216 Church St, 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Together Old City
138. N 3RD St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
BPM Fitness
1808 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Balance Room
501 Fitzwater St, Philadelphia, PA 19147