New 'Free Flow' Club Strives to Battle Period Poverty

Period poverty is a serious problem for girls all over the country. Period poverty is the inability to access menstrual supplies due to financial, or other barriers. One in every five female students misses class due to lack of access to menstrual products. This may take several days of school away from them each month, resulting in lower grades and less confidence in school. No girl should have to face this. That is why Jordan will be hosting a new club this year, in partnership with the Diaper Bank of Durham, to support the women of Jordan High School: Free Flow.

The Diaper Bank provides menstrual and hygiene supplies to girls around the Triangle. Now with the Free Flow club, they can transport those essential materials directly to our school bathrooms. Each girls bathroom and locker room will contain an easily accessible container of individual pads, tampons, and liners, as well as pre-stocked kits that can last a student up to a week. The Diaper Bank will also provide teachers with items to keep in their classrooms.

Co-founders Katie Taylor (left) and Amelia McKinney (right) packing menstrual products at The Diaper Bank

The club’s focus is making sure that no girl is left without any product she needs. To ensure this, members of the club will regularly check and restock each bathroom and locker room around Jordan. Free Flow has already begun putting plans in motion and communicating with staff to install the containers. They have also raised almost $600 by presenting a proposal to the Rotary Club of Durham to jumpstart the program.

The club will need all the help it can get to help keep its plan organized and consistent. It is currently seeking students who are also passionate about this cause to fill leadership roles such as Vice President, Social Media Manager, Secretary, and Treasurer. Access should never be a luxury!