Spring into Health: Why Menstrual Hygiene Products Matter 

Spring is a season of renewal — a time to care for ourselves and one another. At YouthLink, this “Spring into Health” season highlights a simple but essential need: access to menstrual hygiene products. 

Our Clothing Closet and Hygiene Closet are stocked solely through donations. And the need is constant and urgent. 

YouthLink’s Hygiene Closet

Menstrual Health Is a Basic Need 

Menstrual products are not a luxury — they are a necessity. For young people experiencing homelessness, not having access to these products could mean missing school, skipping work shifts, or avoiding important appointments. 

Arden, YouthLink’s Outreach Case Manager, sees this every day through her work out in the community: 

“A lack of menstrual products causes a lot of self-consciousness. Youth may be afraid of leaking or odor, and that fear can cause them to miss work or school — things they can’t afford to miss. When we’re able to provide these products, it helps build connection. They know they can come to YouthLink’s Drop-In Center or call me, and I’ll gladly bring supplies to them. That consistency creates stability, and from there we can start building a relationship that leads to housing, healthcare, and other supports.” 

Access to menstrual hygiene products is about more than comfort — it’s about health, dignity, and opportunity. 

Madison, YouthLink’s Families Case Manager, provides resources and support to parents, many of which are mothers. She explains: 

“Having access to menstrual items is essential for maintaining hygiene and health. Without them, individuals may use products for too long or turn to unsafe alternatives, which increases the risk of infection. Not having access can also lead people to avoid public spaces due to shame or fear. When these supplies are available, it makes it easier to attend appointments, job interviews, and meetings that are critical to building self-reliance.” 

More Than a Transaction — A Relationship 

At YouthLink, hygiene supplies are often the first step toward something bigger. Arden shares: 

“Giving out hygiene products isn’t just a transaction — it creates a bond. Youth know we will help when needed. I’ve built many relationships simply by providing snack bags and hygiene kits. They see me and know I’ll have more than just those items to offer. They learn they can come to the Drop-In Center for housing, food, medical care — whatever it may be. Hygiene items open the door to trust. They create relationships that youth didn’t even know they needed.” 

A simple package of pads or tampons can open the door to long-term stability.  

A “Tea Party for Aunt Flo” 

During her weekly volunteer shift, Meredith saw this need firsthand while helping keep our Clothing Closet and Hygiene Closet stocked. Because she regularly sees what donations are running low, she decided to step in. 

Last year, Meredith hosted a “Tea Party for Aunt Flo” at her church to collect menstrual hygiene products — and she’s hosting another one this May. 

She shared that the older women in her church were especially eager to help. Many commented on how expensive menstrual products have become — and acknowledged that while these items may no longer be on their own shopping lists, they are absolutely a need, not a want.

Younger women, Meredith said, instinctively understood the importance. They didn’t want anyone to have to choose between food and hygiene. 

Several were also surprised to learn that despite being essential health items, government assistance programs like food stamps, Medicaid, and the Women, Infants, and Children’s (WIC) program cannot be used to purchase menstrual products. 

And the best part? The event was simple to host. 

Hot water and assorted tea bags. 
Premade iced tea with lemon and sweetener. 
Dessert bars (no plates needed — just napkins). 
A few spring flowers. 
YouthLink literature on the tables. 

“Easy peasy!” Meredith said. “Every faith community should do this.” 

Tea Party for Aunt Flo

Host a Drive for Women’s Health Month 

May is Women’s Health Month, and National Women’s Health Week begins on Mother’s Day. These observances are a perfect opportunity to organize a menstrual hygiene drive to support all youth who menstruate, including transgender and nonbinary youth experiencing homelessness. Consider organizing a donation drive within your: 

• Church or faith community 
• School or campus group 
• Workplace 
• Civic organization 
• Neighborhood or friend group 

You can keep it simple — a collection bin and a list of most-needed items — or make it a themed gathering like Meredith’s Tea Party. 

Most-needed hygiene items include: 

• Pads 
• Tampons  
• Panty liners 
• Deodorant 
• Shaving cream and razors 
• Lotion 
• Face wash 
• Floss 

If you’re interested in hosting a drive, please reach out to us at donations@youthlinkmn.org for resources, promotional materials, and to coordinate drop-off. 

Prefer to Donate Online? 

You can also donate menstrual hygiene products directly through our Amazon Wish List and have items shipped straight to YouthLink. 

Every box makes a difference. Every donation builds trust. Every product helps a young person show up confidently to the next step in their journey. 

This spring, help us ensure our shelves stay stocked — and that our youth stay supported.