As Menstrual Health Day is recognized globally, communities are reminded that menstrual health is an essential part of dignity, equity, and public health. At Northumberland United Way, this message continues to be reflected through the ongoing growth of the Period Promise initiative; a community-driven program improving access to menstrual and hygiene products while addressing the stigma surrounding period poverty.
Menstrual Health Day serves as an annual call to action to promote menstrual equity, strengthen education, and ensure that everyone who menstruates has access to the products they need. While menstruation is a natural and universal experience, access to safe and affordable products is not equal.
Northumberland United Way’s New Period Promise and Hygiene Cabinet works to close this gap by providing free, accessible menstrual and hygiene products through trusted community spaces across Northumberland County.
Expanding Access Through Community-Based Hygiene Cabinets
At the centre of this new initiative are Northumberland United Way’s Period Promise and Hygiene Cabinets, located at a network of partners in the County. These cabinets are designed to provide discreet access to essential supplies for anyone in need. Each cabinet is stocked with a range of free, take-as-needed products that support both menstrual and general hygiene needs. In addition to menstrual products, cabinets include body care items as well as incontinence products for individuals of all ages and circumstances. This broader approach recognizes that hygiene insecurity extends beyond menstruation and can affect individuals experiencing financial hardship, housing instability, disability-related needs, or other barriers to access. The placement of these cabinets in high-traffic, community-trusted locations ensures that individuals can access supplies privately and with dignity. Across Northumberland County, partners have consistently reported ongoing demand for these supplies, reinforcing the importance of maintaining reliable and visible access points throughout both rural and urban communities.
Dignity Kits Supporting Consistent Monthly Access
A key component with the new Period Promise and Hygiene Cabinet initiative is the distribution of Dignity Kits, which provide individuals with a one-month supply of essential menstrual products. Each kit typically includes tampons, pads, and panty liners, ensuring that recipients have access to a full cycle’s worth of supplies.
Dignity Kits help reduce barriers to participation in work, school, and community life while supporting menstrual health with consistency and dignity.
Community Impact Across Northumberland County
The network of partners currently includes the Campbellford Library, Community Living & Respite Cobourg, Northumberland County Social Services, and Community Health Centre Northumberland, along with all rural food banks. The Period Promise and Hygiene Cabinets have developed into a coordinated and responsive network of care. According to Amanda Bedwell, Customer Service Unit Supervisor at Northumberland County Community & Social Services;
“On World Menstrual Health Day, Northumberland County Community & Social Services is proud to recognize the positive impact of United Way’s Period Promise campaign in our community. Through this program, we have been able to provide clients with reliable access to menstrual products, an essential yet often overlooked necessity. For many individuals we serve, the cost of these products can be a barrier that affects their health and daily participation in work, school, and community life. Having menstrual products readily available for our clients helps remove stigma and ensures that no one has to make difficult choices between basic needs.”
Support Period Promise Northumberland
As Northumberland United Way’s Period Promise initiative continues to expand, hygiene cabinets across Northumberland County remain an important tool in reducing barriers caused by poverty and hygiene insecurity. By providing free and accessible menstrual and hygiene products in trusted community spaces, the initiative supports dignity, inclusion, and equitable access to essential necessities. Through continued community partnerships and support, the Northumberland United Way’s Period Promise and Hygiene Cabinet initiative is helping create a more compassionate and equitable Northumberland County where no one is left without access to basic hygiene products.
Community members can support the initiative by donating menstrual and hygiene products or making a financial contribution to help sustain and expand local access.
Online donations can be made here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/146947
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
