Battle Ground Public Schools

Prairie High School students collect menstrual products and raise awareness

April 18, 2024

For the third year, students in Prairie High School’s Health Occupations Students of America club, better known as HOSA, are holding a donation drive to collect menstrual products. At the same time, they’re working to destigmatize the menstrual cycle and what has been dubbed “period poverty.”

“The products are one thing,” said HOSA administrator and health sciences teacher Melissa ‘Mo’ Levine. “The other element is really education around what menstruation is, who menstruates, what it looks like and how much it costs.”

That cost can be a difficult barrier for many students who lack resources to maintain an adequate supply of menstrual products. “I did a couple of comparisons,” said Ella May, a senior and club secretary. “A box of 91 diapers for a newborn costs less than a single box of tampons. And that’s something you have to buy every single month. It adds up.”

Washington law requires schools to provide menstrual products, but the donations help to ensure a wider variety of products and allows the school to create “period packs” that can be sent home with students in need for the summer months. The drive also serves as a conversation starter to destigmatize a subject that often makes people uncomfortable.

“We’re just trying to break down barriers and make sure everyone has a level playing field,” said May.

“We don’t think it is fair that some students have to worry about getting adequate products,” added junior Emilee Natiola, HOSA club president.

This year’s collection effort began during March, Women’s History Month. As of this writing, around 2,500 products had been donated, including tampons, pads, period underwear and soap.The products are stored in the school’s health room and are available for students upon request. The school will also send some students home with period supplies to last them over the summer months.

“I’ve noticed that ‘shame’ around menstruation can even prevent people from donating,” said senior Hannah Huber, HOSA vice president. “I’ve had students tell me they don’t want to carry around a box of tampons all day and be seen around school. So just breaking that stigma goes a long way toward increasing donations.” 

Levine said the club has been talking about ways to possibly expand the drive to other schools, including middle schools. 

This year’s drive ends Friday, April 19, but donations are welcome throughout the school year and can be dropped off at the school office during business hours. Prairie High School is located at 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA 98662.