Community Spotlights: Lowcountry Period Project December 7, 2022

Did You Know – 16.9 million people who menstruate in the US are living in poverty. Two-thirds of the 16.9 million low-income women in the US could not afford menstrual products in the past year, with a half of this population reporting a need to choose between menstrual products and food at some point in their experiences.

Clinic Manger Coleen Cuffy shares insights on community resources that benefit our patients. Thanks to The Lowcountry Period Project, Clinic restrooms are stocked with free menstrual products for our patients.

Recently, I received an email inviting me to engage with The Lowcountry Period Project. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to learn more about this local organization. It was heartwarming to read about the school menstrual packs that are distributed through the Lowcountry to young ladies who are in need. I was struck with a line which stated that there are women and girls who will miss school and work because they are unable to obtain these bare necessities – missing opportunities because they cannot afford feminine products. I was struck because it never crossed my mind that this could be happening.

It is interesting, that as we go about our lives expressing kindness and compassion there seems to always be an unnoticed need in our families, communities and societies. There has been a stigma related to women’s issues for centuries, women and girls made to feel unclean, impure and less than due to functions (or lack of function) of our reproductive system. The combination of menstrual insecurities with poverty, creates a dark hole of isolation among women and girls. I thank God for organizations such as The Lowcountry Period Project that shine a light into the darkness for women and girls in need. I am proud to be a part of Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic that receives and distributes period packets on behalf of The Lowcountry Period Project. Recognizing the need and being a solution is a catalyst to having…

No More Missed Opportunities for women and girls!

For more information on the Lowcountry Period Project and ways you can help: http://periodprojectlc.org/

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, providing free, ongoing medical care for uninsured adults who Reside or Work across the Barrier Islands and their connecting communities. You can sign up for our monthly e-news updates, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.