HerFlow Foundation Supplies Free Menstrual Products to Clinics
Since its inception in 2016, HerFlow’s flagship projects has been to End Period Poverty in Jamaica. On March22, 2022, HerFlow donated over 350,000 menstrual pads to The Nurses Association to be distributed to clinics in all 14 parishes around the island. HerFlow’s Executive Director, Shelly-Ann Weeks shares how important it is to have free menstrual products in clinics.
Kotex Brand Manager, Tanisha Morrison hands over products to HerFlow Executive Director, Shelly-Ann Weeks to assist with the drive to End Period Poverty.
“There is a very popular conversation on social media highlighting the fact that while free condoms are available in clinics, menstrual products are not. I agree with the premise and I believe that free menstrual products must be available not only in clinics but in every public restroom in Jamaica.” She explains. “I am very thankful for partners that made this possible – Massy distribution, T. Geddes Grant and Fontana Pharmacy without who’s help we could not have reached this milestone.”
As a part of an International Women’s Day initiative in 2021, the drive to supply Jamaican clinics with menstrual products started. Period Poverty is the inability to access menstrual products when needed and Jamaicans across the island are affected. The pandemic has made the need even greater because women were mostly affected by job loss or decrease in earnings due to the economic downturn brought on by the restrictions enforced to curb the spread of the virus.
NAJ members share the lens with HerFlow’s Founder and Executive Director, Shelly-Ann Weeks
Another major aspect of this initiative is to conduct so data gathering at each clinic to allow the foundation to have a more realistic idea of how communities are affected by Period Poverty. Each location will have a representative that will engage individuals who are receiving the free menstrual products. This process will be discreet and will help HerFlow better supply clinics with products as needed.
“We hope to keep the supply going and expand to other locations as we are aware that Period Poverty affects Jamaicans all across the island. This is only the beginning.” Weeks stated.
Nurses Association of Jamaica has partnered with HerFlow to assist with the distribution of the products through Health Departments across the island. NAJ’s President Mrs Patsy Edwards-Henry is very happy for the partnership as she has seen first hand how Period Poverty affects Jamaicans.
“We are on the frontlines and we have to deal with the individuals who come in and ask for help. Nurses have had to go in their own personal stash to assist in the past. These products will go a long way to help Jamaicans. We applaud HerFlow for this initiative.” She stated.
For Weeks, this is a dream come true. “Jamaicans can walk into the locations listed below and access free menstrual products. And we continue to work until every public restroom is furnished with free menstrual products. No Jamaican should have to face the indignity of Period Poverty.” She said fervently.
Locations:
| HEALTH DEPARTMENTS | CONTACT | |
| Manchester Health Department | South Race Course Road, Mandeville | |
| St. Elizabeth Health Department | High Street, Black River | |
| Westmoreland Health Department | Savanna la Mar | |
| Hanover Health Department | Noel Holmes Hospital, Fort Charlotte Drive, Lucea | |
| St. James Health Department | Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay | |
| Trelawny Health Department | Rodney Street (also called Foreshore Road), Falmouth, Trelawny | |
| St. Ann Health Department | Owen Sound Drive, St Ann’s Bay | |
| St. Mary Health Department | Gayle, St. Mary | |
| Portland Health Department | Port Antonio | |
| St. Thomas Health Department | Morant Bay | |
| St. Catherine Health Department | 5 Burke Rd, Spanish Town | |
| Clarendon Health Department | Jackson St, May Pen | |
| Kingston & St. Andrew Health Department | 1a Caledonia Cres, Kingston | |
| University Hospital of the West Indies | UWI – Gibraltar Camp Rd, Kingston
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“Typically, we would supply women requesting products by sending it via courier or arranging pick up. This is not always ideal. Having free products available in clinics will go a long way to ensure that no Jamaican experience the indignity of Period Poverty.” Weeks explains. “This is a major step towards our ultimate goal of ensuring that free menstrual products are made available to every Jamaican who needs it.”
The NAJ will assist in distributing the products through Health Centres and some schools across the island.