Menstrual products such as pads and tampons are provided free of charge at various locations in Dallas, including recreational centers, libraries, and community centers across the city.
Expanding Access to Menstrual Products
Residents of Dallas now have access to free menstrual products for a month from different distribution points throughout the city. Recently, the Kiest Recreation Center in Oak Cliff joined the list of locations where people can acquire menstrual products at no cost through the Period Access Dallas initiative.
In 2022, the Community Care Office initiated a six-month pilot program to address the challenge of obtaining hygienic products, especially in marginalized areas, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.
City-Wide Initiative
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the program was extended by the city in May to cover all areas. Previously, most distribution points were located in southern Dallas. Flyers promoting the initiative are available in both English and Spanish, featuring a QR code that leads individuals to the Period Access Dallas website.
Highlighting the Need for Free Menstrual Products
During the pandemic, the importance of access to free menstrual products was underscored. Texas law now mandates that school districts offer free menstrual products in women's restrooms at every school following the passage of House Bill 4199 in 2023.
How to Obtain Menstrual Products
Free products are stocked at recreational centers, libraries, and community centers, with these public facilities also offering menstrual products in their restrooms. Individuals can request these products in person using cards that also function as surveys, enabling the city to track the demographics of product recipients. No personal information is required to access the free products.
Where to Find Free Menstrual Products
Public libraries and community centers across Dallas provide free menstrual products. Some of the locations include J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, Kiest Recreation Center, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. For a comprehensive list of distribution centers, individuals can visit the Community Care Office website.
For more information, visit the Community Care Office website at: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/community-care/Pages/PERIOD-ACCESS-DALLAS-(PAD).aspx