PCC and community partners rally support for student menstrual equity initiative
Photos and story by Misty Bouse
The Portland Community College Student Basic Needs Center is partnering with Positive Charge PDX! to create and distribute 500 period packs for students with support from the community this spring. In addition, the Sports Bra in Southeast Portland is also partnering with the Period Power Project as a collection site to support menstrual equity.
In Oregon, one in four students are forced to choose between a meal and menstrual supplies.
How To Donate
From April 14-23, community members may drop off donations at any PCC Student Basic Needs Center. The most-needed items are individually wrapped tampons, pads and pantyliners. Donations also may be made online through an Amazon Wishlist or through the PCC Foundation by selecting “Other” and specifying “Food Insecurity Fund.”?
Volunteers also are needed to assemble period packs at the Period Power Project Packing Party on May 1 at the Cascade Campus. The packs will be distributed through the PCC Panther Pantry during the coming academic year.?
According to a Harris Poll conducted in summer 2025, period stigma has also increased since 2023, with teens reporting pressure in settings ranging from the classroom to after-school activities. Young women of color reported experiencing period shame more intensely than others. The poll also found that although access to free period products in public spaces has improved over the past two years, affordability remains a barrier. Forty-two percent of teens said it is easier to access free Wi-Fi than free period products.
“This is a choice no one should have to make,” said Kendi Esary, program dean of Student Basic Needs. “Support the Period Power Project by donating at any PCC Student Basic Needs Center. We are incredibly grateful to Positive Charge PDX! for partnering with us to end period poverty.”
The Period Power Project is a collaboration between the Student Basic Needs Center (SBNC) and Positive Charge PDX!. The goal is to provide 500 period packs to PCC students who need them. Abby Menashe, co-leader of the annual Period Power Project with local nonprofit Positive Charge PDX!, said the effort was inspired by the lack of access to period products and the extent of period poverty in Oregon.?
“Oregon students struggle to afford menstrual products,” said Menashe. “Oregon ranks as the most expensive U.S. state for period products when measured as a share of monthly income. This really surprises people but federal assistance programs WIC and SNAP don’t cover period supplies.”
When students cannot afford menstrual products, absenteeism can become a problem, according to Abbey Sybrant, an alum and SBNC intern from Portland State University’s Social Work program, who is co-organizing this year’s drive as a part of her practicum experience.
“As a woman, this work is deeply meaningful to me because period poverty is often overlooked, yet it affects people’s ability to fully participate in school, work, and daily life,” Sybrant said. “Initiatives like period product donation drives are especially important as the cost of menstrual products, along with other basic necessities, continues to rise. I believe everyone has the right to basic necessities.”
For more information, or if interested in volunteering, email basicneeds@pcc.edu.
About Misty Bouse
A Portland Community College public relations specialist, Misty Bouse has been working in college advancement for a decade. A graduate of University of Oregon, Misty has worked as a managing editor for BUILDERNews Magazine and as a contribu... more »