Delaware state officials hold period product drive

Dover, Del. – Rep. AlonnaBerry, Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman and Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay launched a period product drive on Tuesday.

Berry and Evans Gay held a press conference at the Delaware Archives in Dover, encouraging the public to donate menstrual products for women and girls in need.

Evans Gay said the moment comes as initiatives throughout the state move forward to address period poverty.

“It really is a full circle moment for me, and a reminder that no matter how much we advocate, how much work we do, the continued efforts and push to make sure that we are supporting members of our community in every way possible is so important,” Evans Gay said.

Berry also said it is essential to raise awareness to make menstrual products are available for all menstrators.

“Menstrual products are not a luxury. They are a basic need,” Berry said. “I wanted to host this drive because I know menstrual products are important, and that access is not always guaranteed.”

She said in the summer months, families and students can be especially at risk.

“Families are stretched thin, and basic necessities, including menstrual products, can become harder to afford,” she said. “No one should have to miss out on activities, miss out on work, or feel shame because they can’t access the products that they need.”

They were joined by representatives from The Delaware Dignity Project, a community-driven initiative looking to support and empower women by providing essential items.

Lisa Sumstine, founder and executive director of The Delaware Dignity Project, said she started the initiative to address the impact of period poverty on women’s health.

“We can’t have one in six menstruators in Delaware struggling to buy period products,” Sumstine said. “We can’t have one in four teen menstruators in Delaware miss school at least once because they don’t have access to the proper supplies. Women escaping homelessness and domestic violence and human trafficking deserve to have their basic needs met.”

Donations are open until June 30th.