Free menstrual products are being made available at City of Red Deer facilities through a pilot project with the United Way.
By mid-August, free tampons and pads will be available in three City facilities as part of a Period Promise pilot project, in partnership with United Way Central Alberta.
United Way initiative aims to end period poverty, referring to women who have a hard time affording these products.
In support of this initiative, The City will launch a year-long Period Promise pilot project at the Collicutt Centre, G.H. Dawe Community Centre and City Hall.
“We are excited to provide stigma-free access to free menstrual products to employees, guests, clients and the general public,” said Sarah Tittemore, Community Services General Manager.
New dispensers are being installed in all washrooms and change rooms in the pilot facilities. The pilot locations were chosen to ensure there is a diversity in the type of users accessing the program as well as varied geographic locations across the city. Users will be invited to complete a short survey to help evaluate the pilot program.
“We know that over half of people who menstruate have struggled to afford products at some point in their life, and that lack of access can be a barrier to school, work, and other activities, said Tittemore.
“Our goal is to ensure that users of our facilities feel comfortable and safe accessing these necessary products.”