Boston public schools to provide free menstrual products to students

Boston’s public school system (BPS) is set to provide free menstrual products to students, the city announced Monday.

“This pilot program is about equity in our schools, and among our young people,” Boston Mayor Martin Walsh (D) said in a statement. “Nearly one in five girls in the U.S. have left school early, or missed school all together because they didn’t have access to menstrual products. I’m proud BPS continues to be a leader in equity, ensuring our students have the resources they need, and access to the same opportunities.”

{mosads}The program will include all 77 schools that teach students in sixth grade through 12th grade within Boston’s public school system, according to the city. BPS School Health Services will order the products to a central location and distribute them to individual school nurses at the start of the year and as needed for the rest of the year.

“I’m grateful to Mayor Walsh for funding this important program, and making sure that girls in BPS don’t have to choose between taking care of their health, and going to class,” Laura Perille, interim BPS superintendent, said in the statement.

“Offering free, easily accessible menstrual supplies means that more students will have access to the supplies they need, and are able to stay in class and focus on their education,” Perille added.

Walsh’s budget for fiscal 2020, which he resubmitted to the city council Monday, allocates $100,000 to the program, according to the announcement.