Increase Access

FY 24 money is here

Period Product Dispensers Soon Available At Georgia Public Schools!

School doors have opened across the state which is still a shocker to some of us who never started before Labor Day! Returning to the classroom means, for many students, returning to a season of fear, facing questions like: when will my period start, will I have the products I need to attend class or after school practice and how will I ever catch up on schoolwork when I miss a week for having no pads or tampons.

Thankfully, as a result of Georgia STOMP’s advocacy, starting in 2019, the Georgia Legislature addressed these fears, designating money in the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) budget for the purpose of buying period products.The State Board of Education recently approved GaDOE’s division of this school year’s $1.45M. Funds are given to schools with high poverty rates serving students in grades 5-12 and are allocated based on the number of female students in each school. The funding list by district can be found HERE.

Each year when this list is published, GaDOE also sends a list of approved products that can be purchased with the funds. The BIG news for fall of 2023 is the addition of period product dispensers to the list! 

FY 24 money is here

Georgia STOMP has been integral to compiling this list since the money was first distributed in 2019. Together with GaDOE leadership we have faced tough decisions about what items the money is meant to cover. The first list consisted only of pads, tampons and pantyliners. Based on feedback from school nurses, we quickly expanded the list to include disposal wipes and underwear.

Last year, multiple school systems requested approval to purchase period product dispensers for placement in restrooms. School nurses recognize that ready access to products keeps students in the classroom and eliminates the stigma of asking for this basic need. GaDOE and Georgia STOMP discussed the possibility of adding dispensers to the list; however, both were determined to use research-based data to make the decision. Concerns focused on what type of dispensers should be allowed, where they would be located, who would stock them and the required coordination with facilities management personnel or maintenance and operations (M&O) departments. Alison Hoover, MPH and April Ballard, PhD, MPH, of Georgia STOMP member organization Dignity Pack Project, graciously agreed to lead this study. Dr. Ballard’s work emphasizes translating research for public health policy into practice and, as a researcher, is an Affiliate member of Georgia STOMP. 

For the past year, Dr. Ballard, Hoover and Rachel Dornfest, a student from Emory Rollins School of Public Health, interviewed school nurses, facility managers and others examining the interest, problems, benefits and pitfalls of dispensers. The overwhelming positive response was indicative of the benefits of installing dispensers. 

Last week, GaDOE released the money for period products to school districts using its distribution formula. Along with their graphic, GaDOE sent a document prepared by Dr. Ballard with important guidelines, options and considerations local school systems must follow if they use state money to purchase dispensers. Among other things, the document stresses that the dispensers must distribute products for free, be installed in student bathrooms in common spaces, be purchased collaboratively with facility management and that schools should make plans for proper disposal of period products. 

As with many decisions related to school management in Georgia, great variations exist between school districts, and even between schools, as to what “dispenser” might mean and how their installation and maintenance is managed. With this input and following numerous conversations with GaDOE leadership, the Ballard/Hoover team took their work a step further. They researched and prepared a document with numerous types of dispensers and strengthened it by adding links to numerous supplier websites. This document is not meant to recommend any of these options over another, but is certainly a useful tool for local school systems to employ when choosing what is the best option in serving their students. 

Georgia STOMP was grateful to be the convening entity in this research and to further our partnership with the Georgia Department of Education and with school nurses. For more information, reach out to us at info@georgiastomp.org!

Feminine Hygiene Grant Dispensers one pager_Aug2023_v3
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2023 Georgia Association of School Nurses Convention

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GASN June 15 2023
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Georgia Association of School Nurses (GASN) returned to hosting their annual conference this year and Georgia STOMP was on site to enjoy the reunion! This gathering of over 350 school nurses from throughout Georgia is an important educational and connectional event for our state. The conference, held in Savannah, branded with a lighthouse and themed “Restore our Light,” was filled with a sense of excitement, friendship and a desire to hone skills and learn about new opportunities to better serve students in Georgia.

Shortly before the pandemic, GASN became a member of Georgia STOMP and plans were initiated for our participation in the conference. After waiting three years for the plan to come to fruition, we made the most of the week. We spent long hours tabling with vendors in order to talk to school nurses individually, and were grateful for the opportunity to address the gathering in a featured segment for the whole conference. The week was rich in opportunities to connect and educate school nurses about the funding available in the state budget and best practices for distributing period products in schools.

Board Chair Claire Cox spoke directly to more than 150 nurses, learning from them about the sufficiency of the state funding for period products in their schools, listening to methods of distribution that have worked (and some that haven’t) and talking to them about best practices we have learned to distribute products without shaming. Adele Stewart presented to the gathering, letting them know more about the organization behind what most Georgia school nurses call “STOMP money.” It was an opportunity to ensure each of is aware of the presence of the money, how the funds which are allocated by the legislature are divided between schools and what can be purchased with the funds. Adele concluded by inviting the nurses to reach out to us if they have any questions or need more information and to connect with us via our newsletter signup. 

We wish every one of you who has been a part of Georgia STOMP throughout the past six years could have been present to hear the incredible testimonies about the difference funding is making in the lives of students and their families, and the gratitude on the part of school nurses for the assistance. Prior to the state funding, our surveys showed school nurses and other administrators paid for the products out of their own pockets almost 60% of the time!

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Georgia Lawmaker and Georgia STOMP Push for Menstrual Equity and Eradication of Period Poverty

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On Monday, May 15th, Board Members Claire Cox and Ashlie James joined Rep. Debbie Buckner on the WABE radio show “Closer Look” hosted by Rose Scott to discuss Georgia’s legislative efforts to address Menstrual Equity and eliminate Period Poverty.

Listen to the 27 minute podcast here: https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/local-lawmaker-pushes-to-end-so-called-poverty-tax-professor-discusses-the-recent-increase-in-tornadoes-in-georgia/

Listen Here!
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Georgia STOMP Collaborates with Children’s Hospital of Atlanta

On Thursday November 17th, Georgia STOMP was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA)’s 2022 School Health Leadership Conference. Lead School Nurses from throughout Georgia come together at this yearly training event to learn from one another and from academic and medical professionals. This year’s theme was “Reflect, Reset and Refresh.” Gwinnett County Environmental and Heritage Center, where the conference convened, was the perfect spot to facilitate a day-long learning experience with a retreat atmosphere.

The day may have been a time for school nurses to reset, but it certainly was not a day off from work. The conference was jam packed with speakers and information. Speakers included many of Georgia STOMP’s partners, including the Georgia Association of School Nurses, the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Education (DOE) and CHOA itself.  

Claire Cox, Georgia STOMP Chair, brought an update on state funding for period products. Topics included the amount of funding, how it is allotted to each school district and school, various models for purchasing period products with state funds, what items can be purchased (and what are not allowed), and finally, best practices for product distribution to students – The Three Questions Method.

It was both rewarding and informative to finally be able to talk to nurses face-to-face and hear first-hand how the money is helping students be present in school and attentive to their studies. It was also helpful to understand distribution issues faced by school nurses and how they have been addressed in different school settings.

Claire was joined by Rachel Dornfest, a master’s student at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health. Rachel is assisting Georgia STOMP in a research project conducted in cooperation with The Dignity Pack Project and the Department of Education. Rachel was able to talk to numerous attendees and ask her research questions.

Georgia STOMP looks forward to two additional opportunities to interact with school nurses in 2023. We will be co-hosting a webinar with CHOA for school nurses in January and speaking to the annual Georgia Association of School Nurse meeting in June.

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Funding Timeline 2022

2022 “Feminine Hygiene” Grant Funding Timeline

This graphical presentation of state funding is a great way to understand the history of how the Georgia legislature is addressing period poverty.  

Georgia was the first state in the country to allocate state funds to address period poverty and allow students to be present in school and functioning at their greatest potential.

With the addition of 5th graders to the funding formula, FY23 contains $1.45 million for period products in Georgia schools!

Funding Timeline 2022
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State Period Product Funding Available!

State funds for purchasing period products in schools are available to Georgia students in grades 5-12. This money is allocated by school and then totaled for each School District and distributed at the district level. This money is intended for any student who might need a period product in order to stay in class and perform at their best! No one should be turned away who needs products. No one should be shamed for needing the products, and no one should be charged for the products which are provided by the state.

To see how much money your district was allocated, view this list.

If your district is eligible, check in with your school nurse to see if they received the money from their district. You can modify the language below to send your school nurse an email.

Dear [School Nurse],

I am writing to check to see if you have received [your school name]’s allotted funding to purchase period products. Some districts send nurses the money and others purchase at the district level to benefit from bulk pricing. Some purchase in bulk but allow allow schools to tell them what they need. 

It is important that students have access to period products to stay in class and perform at their best.

Three great, non-shaming questions to ask students who are requesting period products might be: 

  1. What do you need? (pad, tampons, underwear, etc.)
  2. Do you need it for today or for the week? (Might help you know did the student get surprised or forget to bring what they need to school, or is a lack of resources to purchase period products the issue)
  3. Does anyone else at home need these products? (The state intends to use these funds to address period poverty and has even provided funding to the Department of Public Health for this purpose. If you have enough products, they should be distributed to those in need.)
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Georgia STOMP at info@georgiastomp.org! They work closely with the legislature to ensure these funds are available and with the Department of Education to monitor their distribution.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] 

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Muscogee County School District Hosts Georgia STOMP

L- R Raven Hart, Kia Chambers, Cathy Williams, Patricia Hugley-Green, Rep. Debbie Buckner, Florene Dawkins, Claire Cox, Dr. David Lewis, Janice Bloodworth, Dr. Gail Burgos, Edwin Joseph and Ward Odum
L- R Raven Hart, Kia Chambers, Cathy Williams, Patricia Hugley-Green, Rep. Debbie Buckner, Florene Dawkins, Claire Cox, Dr. David Lewis, Janice Bloodworth, Dr. Gail Burgos, Edwin Joseph and Ward Odum

 

Georgia STOMP member Florene Dawkins facilitated a visit by Georgia STOMP leadership to learn how strong partnerships in Muscogee County assist the school district to ensure “Every Child…In School…Every Day…With Dignity.” 

County leadership expressed appreciation to the state legislature, and directly to Rep. Debbie Buckner, for funding period products in the state budget, lauding Georgia STOMP for its efforts to make the funds a reality. Georgia STOMP Chair Claire Cox observed first hand that the school district’s goal is not just a motto, but something the district and many community partners work to achieve every day.

School Superintendent Dr. David Lewis spoke of the strong history in Muscogee County, on the part of the school system, but also amongst the broader Columbus community, to ensure resources are provided for every student to reach their full potential. School Board Leadership, including Patricia Hugley-Green, Cathy Williams and Kia Chambers, in a strong voice of unity, echoed the Board’s support in this effort. 

Florene Dawkins, Director of Muscogee County School District’s (MCSD) extensive Hygiene Closet, helped Georgia STOMP understand ALL the resources the county assembles in order to meet student needs. In the county’s Hygiene Closet, donations received from the community enable period product provision beyond what the state monies purchase, and also supply hygiene items such as deodorant and soap. 

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The county’s partnership was further exemplified with Ward Odum, MCSD Director of Facilities and Plant Services, on hand to discuss the construction and recent expansion of the Hygiene Closet, as well as what is being done to retrofit many schools to enable onsite washers and dryers.

Substantive discussions were held between MCSD CFO Janice Bloodworth, Dir. of Purchasing Edwin Joseph, Rep. Debbie Buckner and Chair Claire Cox regarding the school system’s efforts to maximize — and optimize — the amount of period products purchased with the state’s money. MCSD buys all products at the county level and distributes to schools based on the allocation given to each of them by the state. The system is interactive such that schools can specify exactly WHAT products they need from the county — what size pads or panty liners, how many wipes and what sizes of underwear. Two specific concerns were expressed by school administrators, and were strongly reiterated by Supt. Lewis: 

  1. The County would like funding for Dispensers to facilitate greater diversity in where products are placed.
  2. The County believes the funding should be available to all schools, not just those with high FRL populations. Dr. Lewis specifically advocated for the students present in EVERY school who need period products in order to stay in class.

Also present was coalition member Communities In Schools of Georgia (CIS) represented by Raven Hart who works in Muscogee County for CIS. She related compelling, personal experiences with students in need of period products. Finally, a new Georgia STOMP connection was made with Girls, Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell Executive Director, Dr. Gail Burgos. The Hygiene Closet of MCSD is able to supply her organization with period products using donations from the community. Dr. Burgos expressed gratitude for the partnership and spoke of its importance in meeting the needs of the young women she serves. 

Raven Hart & Claire Cox

Raven Hart & Claire Cox

Georgia STOMP appreciated this opportunity to learn from all those who were present. It was a great day of celebration, learning and visioning!

We Did It!

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Sine Die 2022 – Priority Success!

As it has been since 2020, the 2022 Georgia Legislative Session continued to present problems for advocates — January began with high COVID transmission rates. Combining the prevalence of the virus with Georgia’s low vaccination rates meant in person advocacy at the Capitol was a challenge! Nevertheless, Georgia STOMP advocates succesfully pivoted to new methods of education and outreach to elected officials.

The coalition successfully advocated to add $200,000 to the state budget for the purpose of providing period products to Georgia’s 5th grade students! This was one of three Georgia STOMP legislative priorities for 2022.

The addition of this funding means numerous elementary schools in Georgia will receive state funding for menstrual products for the first time!

Sadly, we have still not been heard regarding the discrimination resulting from state assessing a sales tax on menstrual products — a medical necessity about which there is no choice!

Georgia STOMP will regroup and present the newly elected 2023 legislature with a new version of the tax elimination bill.  (HB810 summarily “died” at the end of the 2022 session.)

We Did It!

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HB 861 Media Coverage

House Bill 861 aims to increase access to women’s menstrual products

MACON, Ga. — A new bill in the Georgia legislature aims to increase access to menstrual products for women and girls over the age of 11.

If the bill passes, public schools, jails, homeless shelters, and housing facilities would be required to provide disposable menstrual products at no cost.

In the bill, menstrual products are outlined as “products used by menstruating individuals, including, but not limited to, sanitary napkins, tampons, and underwear liners.”

The group, Georgia STOMP (Stop Tax On Menstrual Products) has been on the front line since 2017 to address “issues of menstrual equity and period poverty in Georgia.”

Georgia STOMP Chair Claire Cox said if the bill is passed the bill would increase access to other places.

“This bill goes beyond that and says local school systems should be a part of providing products in schools,” said Cox.

House Bill 861 says schools with students from sixth through 12th grade, the board would provide disposable menstrual products in the bathroom at no cost.

Macon Periods Easier president Erin Hawkins said the bill would help limit obstacles women and girls over the age of 11.

“Our big thing is removing any kind of barriers for those either continue their education or continuing with their job,” said Hawkins.

Macon Periods Easier is a group that provides menstrual products to schools, churches and community centers.

They have partnered with stores like 7th Street Salvage in downtown Macon to help raise donations.

But who is going to pay for the products in the schools, jails, and homeless shelters? 

Cox said it’ll be the entities that are mandated to supply them.

“This bill, along with existing state funding and recent policy changes in Georgia, would greatly increase access to those who need period products, allowing them to be present in school and in the workplace,” said Cox.

Cox said some places like Z Beans Coffee have menstrual products in the women’s bathroom. She just hopes the bill destigmatize women’s health.

“I do think it’s important to normalize the process and the natural healthy experience of menstruation,” said Cox.

 
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“Georgia STOMP IGNITEs the Capitol”

Tuesday, February 8th was Georgia STOMP’s 2022 Day at the Capitol. The event was jointly hosted with member organization, IGNITE National. The successful partnership resulted in many new faces to Georgia STOMP. Georgia STOMP’s 2022 Legislative priorities were reviewed and opportunities for conversations with legislators were provided. IGNITE resources enabled direct advocacy to legislators despite virtual attendance and not “in person” opportunities under the Gold Dome.

Rep. Ron Stephens

Rep. Ron Stephens

The event opened with remarks from Christina Williams, IGNITE’s Atlanta Fellow and Claire Cox, Chair of Georgia STOMP. IGNITE Southeast Region Program Manager Loren Walter led a fireside chat with La Lune founder Stella Kwon to hear the voice of young women advocating in Georgia. Chairman Ron Stephens (D-196, Savannah), a signer of all three bills to eliminate the state sales tax on menstrual products in Georgia, brought greetings an an update from the Capitol.

Georgia STOMP Membership Chair, Dominique Holloman, facilitated a lively panel discussion with Representatives Kim Schofield (D-60, Atlanta) and Debbie Buckner (D-137, Junction City), both champions of menstrual equity work in Georgia. During the event, Ashlie James, founder of Atlanta GLOW, read HR 751 declaring February 8, 2022 as “Georgia STOMP Day at the Capitol” and reported that every legislator in the House of Representatives received a pamphlet with information about Georgia STOMP.

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Dominique Holloman (L) and Rep. Kim Schofield (R)

Dominique Holloman (L) and Rep. Kim Schofield (R)

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