FAQ and Resources for Schools
FAQ and Resources for Schools
The Hidden Harm of Period Stigma in Schools
The stigma surrounding periods isn’t just about embarrassment; it directly undermines both the health and educational success of menstruating students.
Misinformation and shame around menstruation leave students vulnerable. Period-related teasing or judgment can make a school feel like an unsafe space, hindering students’ ability to learn.
Two-thirds of teens stress about having the right supplies, impacting their focus, and creating dilemmas with health repercussions. For example, the fear of being caught unprepared could lead to unhealthy practices like wearing a tampon or pad for too long, risking infections or even toxic shock syndrome.
Period Poverty
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products such as sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. Five hundred million people worldwide lack access to basic menstrual products and hygienic facilities (World Bank, 2023).
However, period poverty isn’t just an international problem; it affects menstruating adults and K-12 students in the United States, too. In the United States alone, 16.9 million menstruating individuals live in poverty, and two-thirds cannot afford menstrual products.
Managing a period isn’t just about having the right supplies. It includes ensuring that menstruators have everything they need to stay comfortable, healthy, and included during their periods. This means:
Privacy: Having a safe, private space to change pads, tampons, etc., whenever they need to without feeling awkward.
Cleanliness: Easy access to soap and water for washing hands and staying clean.
Disposal: Proper places to throw away used pads, tampons, and other supplies.
Knowledge: Understanding accurate information about how to manage their menstrual cycle.
Period poverty is also exacerbated by stigma that surrounds openly discussing both periods and poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the law?
HB24-1164, “Free Menstrual Products to Students” requires menstrual products to be available free of charge to students in grades 6-12 in applicable student bathrooms.
The legislation says 25% by June 30, 2025, what does that mean?
The law phases in the implementation to provide time for schools to meet compliance.
- By June 30, 2025, products must be in at least 25% of applicable student bathrooms.
- By June 30, 2026, products must be in at least 50% of applicable student bathrooms.
- By June 30, 2027, products must be in at least 75% of applicable student bathrooms.
- By June 30, 2028, products must be 100% of applicable student bathrooms.
Small rural schools, including charter schools, the Colorado school for the deaf and the blind, and approved facility schools are exempted from the timeline above but must comply with the law by June 30, 2028.
What is the purpose of implementing period products in schools?
By providing period products to students attendance has increased attendance by 2.4% students focus on learning, decreasing absenteeism, and fully participating in school and extracurricular activities.
Which schools are required to provide period products?
All Colorado public schools, including district schools, district charter schools, institute charter schools, boards of cooperative services, Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and facility schools.
Where are the period products required to be within the school?
This new law requires that period products be available in girls’ restrooms and gender-neutral restrooms in all schools with grades 6-12. Products must also be found in a school’s health or main office if there are no gender-neutral bathrooms. For K-6 schools, products only need to be available in the health or main office. All schools must clearly indicate where students can find period products within the building.
What types of menstrual products will be provided?
Schools can offer pads or tampons.
Who is responsible for stocking and maintaining the products in the restrooms?
School staff will be responsible for regularly stocking and maintaining the products.
What steps should be taken to implement this policy?
We recommend that schools conduct an initial needs assessment to determine the students’ needs. But at a minimum, schools should install period products, educate students about the availability of products, and establish a maintenance schedule. We also recommend training staff on how best to respond to vandalism or misuse of period products. Justice Necessary has resources to support schools further if they so choose.
Are there any required educational components associated with this policy?
No, there are no required educational components associated with this.
How will students be informed about the availability of period products?
Schools can use various communication methods that meet their current processes, such as announcements, posters, and newsletters, to inform students about the availability and location of period dispensers.
Justice Necessary provides resources to help schools communicate this information effectively. Connect with Justice Necessary for further support and sign up to stay informed about new resources.
How can parents and the community support this initiative?
Parents and community members can support the initiative through advocacy, donations, and by participating in awareness programs to promote the importance of menstrual equity in schools.
Justice Necessary offers multiple ways to support this initiative including an online toolkit, team members who can answer questions, period packing parties to create one-month period bags for students, packing parties to create “in-a-pinch” envelopes with period products for students to support students and much more. To join a packing party, volunteer, or find out other opportunities to support students and others on our get involved page!
Is there a contact person or department for questions and support?
We encourage schools to identify or designate a contact person or team, or a specific department that is responsible for managing the policy implementation as well as addressing any questions or concerns from teachers, school staff, students, or families.
Are there any specific guidelines for schools with limited resources?
Schools with limited resources should seek assistance from the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). They can also explore partnerships with local nonprofits or community organizations that can provide support and resources, explore additional grants, community partnerships.
Justice Necessary has opportunities for schools to secure support for dispensers, products, receptacles, in a pinch period products for students as well as one-month bags of products for students during vacations
For more information contact us!
How do we address potential product vandalism or misuse of the dispensers?
Justice Necessary provides recommendations to schools on how to address vandalism or misuse. We encourage schools to utilize clear signage about the consequences of vandalism or misuse, regularly monitor the products and develop responses that are student focused and align with the school’s culture. Schools may also implement educational sessions to encourage responsible use of the dispensers. In the event of repeated misuse, schools will have protocols in place, such as moving dispensers to more supervised areas or increasing awareness among students about the importance of these resources. More information on period product vandalism and responses are available here.
What is the protocol for disposing of menstrual products?
We encourage schools to ensure that all restrooms are equipped with appropriate disposal bins and train operational staff to maintain them. Also, we encourage schools to provide support to students on how to properly dispose of products to avoid issues of misuse.
How can we ensure equitable access to products for all students, including those with disabilities?
We encourage schools to train staff on assisting students with disabilities as well as consider providing menstrual products in a variety of locations that include accessible restrooms and offices like the health office.
Justice Necessary can provide further resources to support schools.
What if a student requires a specific brand or type of product that is not available?
While schools may choose to provide a variety of menstrual products, they may not be able to accommodate every specific brand or type. If a student has a particular need, they should speak with the school nurse or designated staff member about their need.
Contact us for a list of other products and companies!
Are there any specific costs associated with implementing and maintaining this plan?
The cost of implementing and maintaining this program will vary depending on the resources each school or school district decides to allocate. While funds are available through the CDE Menstrual Equity Grant, Justice Necessary has opportunities for schools to secure support for dispensers, products, receptacles, in a pinch period products for students as well as one-month bags of products for students during vacations. Schools can also explore additional grants, community partnerships, and consider planning for this expense in future district budgets.
For more information, contact us!
What is the law?
HB24-1164, “Free Menstrual Products to Students” requires menstrual products to be available free of charge to students in grades 6-12 in applicable student bathrooms.
The legislation says 25% by June 30, 2025, what does that mean?
The law phases in the implementation to provide time for schools to meet compliance.
- By June 30, 2025, products must be in at least 25% of applicable student bathrooms.
- By June 30, 2026, products must be in at least 50% of applicable student bathrooms.
- By June 30, 2027, products must be in at least 75% of applicable student bathrooms.
- By June 30, 2028, products must be 100% of applicable student bathrooms.
Small rural schools, including charter schools, the Colorado school for the deaf and the blind, and approved facility schools are exempted from the timeline above but must comply with the law by June 30, 2028.
What is the purpose of implementing period products in schools?
By providing period products to students attendance has increased attendance by 2.4% students focus on learning, decreasing absenteeism, and fully participating in school and extracurricular activities.
Which schools are required to provide period products?
All Colorado public schools, including district schools, district charter schools, institute charter schools, boards of cooperative services, Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and facility schools.
Where are the period products required to be within the school?
This new law requires that period products be available in girls’ restrooms and gender-neutral restrooms in all schools with grades 6-12. Products must also be found in a school’s health or main office if there are no gender-neutral bathrooms. For K-6 schools, products only need to be available in the health or main office. All schools must clearly indicate where students can find period products within the building.
What types of menstrual products will be provided?
Schools can offer pads or tampons.
What measures are in place to ensure privacy and dignity for students?
Products are required to be in the bathrooms that students use to ensure privacy. We encourage schools to train staff on how to handle the topic appropriately and educate students to promote positive behavior and deter problems.
Will someone teach my child how to use menstrual products and maintain menstrual hygiene?
This is not part of the legislation.
Glossary of Terms
Absenteeism: The act of being frequently absent from school, which, in the context of period poverty, can occur when menstruating students miss school due to a lack of access to menstrual products.
Charter Schools: Publicly funded independent schools that operate under a charter, which may be affected by policies related to the provision of menstrual products in schools.
Colorado Department of Education (CDE): The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is the state agency responsible for overseeing public education in Colorado. It provides leadership, resources, and support to school districts, educators, and students across the state to ensure quality education and equitable opportunities. The CDE is involved in various initiatives, including the implementation of educational policies, administration of state and federal funding, and support for programs such as the Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant Program.
Free Menstrual Products in Schools: A policy initiative aimed at providing menstrual products at no cost within school settings to ensure that all students have access to the necessary products during the school day.
Gender Gap in Education: The disparity in educational opportunities and outcomes between genders, often exacerbated by factors like period poverty that disproportionately affect menstruating students.
Giving Party/Packing Party: Individuals coming together to create a 1-month supply of period products. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, raise funds and products to provide supplies for those who are experiencing period poverty.
House Bill 24-1164 (HB24-1164): Signed into law on June 5, 2024, this legislation guarantees Colorado students access to free period products, helping them stay focused on their education and fully participate in school and extracurricular activities without interruption due to lack of supplies.
Menarche: “Menarche is defined as the first menstrual period in a female adolescent. Menarche typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 16, with the average onset being 12.4 years”- Lacroix et al., 2022.
Menstrual Equity: The concept that menstruating individuals should have access to the necessary resources, products, and facilities to manage their menstruation with dignity and without stigma, cost, or other barriers. Menstrual Health: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to menstruation, not just the absence of disease or infirmity.
Menstrual Health/Menstrual Hygiene: “Menstrual health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in relation to the menstrual cycle.”- Hennegan et al., 2021
Menstrual Hygiene Education: Programs and initiatives aimed at educating students and communities about menstruation, menstrual health, and the importance of proper menstrual hygiene practices.
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM): The practice of using clean menstrual hygiene products to absorb or collect menstrual blood, ensuring access to privacy and facilities to change the products, and providing information and education about menstruation.
Menstrual Hygiene Products: Items used to manage menstruation, such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and other absorbent products.
Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant Program: A program established to provide funding to schools for the provision of free menstrual products to students, ensuring access regardless of financial barriers.
Menstrual Supplies: “Menstrual hygiene materials are those used to catch menstrual flow, such as cloths, reusable and disposable pads, menstrual cups and tampons. Menstrual supplies are other supportive items for menstrual hygiene and health more broadly, such as soap, underwear and pain relief”- UNICEF, 2019.
Menstruation/Menses: “Menstruation is normal discharge of blood and tissue from the uterine lining through the vagina that occurs as part of a monthly menstrual cycle”- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports): a framework that helps schools provide different levels of support to meet the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of all students. It includes evidence-based practices, ongoing progress monitoring, and data-driven decision-making to ensure every student receives the help they need to succeed.
Period Poverty: The lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or a combination of these, which can negatively affect the lives of menstruating individuals.
Period Poverty: Period Poverty has been defined by the American Medical Women’s Association as inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, “including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities, and waste management.”
Restorative Justice: a way of responding to wrongdoing that focuses on healing the harm caused, rather than simply punishing the offender – bringing together everyone affected by harm to address the damage done and find solutions that repair relationships and strengthen the community.
Rural School Districts: Colorado school districts located in less populated areas that have less than 6,500 students enrolled, often with limited access to resources, including menstrual hygiene products.
Small Rural School Districts: School districts located in less populated areas, that have less than 1,000 students enrolled, often with limited access to resources, including menstrual hygiene products.
Stigma: A negative social attitude or discrimination against individuals based on menstruation, which can result in shame, embarrassment, or reluctance to discuss menstrual health issues.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (T.S.S.): “Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious illness that affects multiple systems of the body and is caused by toxins released by certain bacteria… TSS is rare. Recognized groups at risk of S. aureus TSS include menstruating women using tampons, menstrual cups, or other inserted devices, women using diaphragms or contraceptive sponges, and anyone with a S. aureus infection of another body site.”- Virginia Department of Health.
Urogenital Diseases: Infections and conditions affecting the urinary and genital organs, which can be exacerbated by poor menstrual hygiene practices, such as extending the use of menstrual products beyond recommended timeframes.
