Dallas residents can access a month’s worth of free menstrual products at several locations throughout the city.
The Kiest Recreation Center in downtown Oak Cliff is the latest place where residents can get free menstrual products through the Period Access Dallas initiative.
In 2022, the Office of Community Care launched a six-month pilot program to address the lack of access to hygiene products, particularly in under-served areas, The Dallas Morning News reported. The initiative was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
In May, the city announced the expansion of the program across the city. Previously, most of the locations were in southern Dallas.
The city has promoted the initiative in English and Spanish, with flyers containing QR codes that residents can scan to land on the Period Access Dallas website.
During the pandemic, more awareness was drawn to the need to access free menstrual products. Texas law requires that all school districts provide free menstrual products in the restrooms designated for female students on each campus after House Bill 4199 passed in 2023.
How to get free menstrual products?
The products are available at recreation centers, libraries and community centers. These public facilities also stock menstrual products in their bathrooms.
People can request the products in person using cards that double as surveys, allowing the city to track the demographics of those who receive the pads and tampons. No personal information is required to access the products.
For more information visit the Office of Community Care website.