In a significant move toward ensuring menstrual equity, Colorado has enacted a new law that requires public schools to provide free menstrual products to students. Signed into law by Governor Jared Polis in June, House Bill 24-1164 marks a pivotal step in addressing period poverty and breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora and bill co-sponsor, emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “Tying your sweatshirt around your waist [to cover up stained pants] should be a fashion statement, not a way to get through the day.” The new law aims to provide students with essential menstrual products, thereby reducing absenteeism and supporting students’ ability to manage their menstrual health with dignity.
The law, which took effect on Aug. 7, mandates that Colorado public schools supply menstrual products in a percentage of restrooms. By June 30, 2025, at least 25% of restrooms must be stocked with period products, increasing annually until all restrooms are compliant by June 30, 2028. Restrooms not equipped with menstrual products will display signs directing students to the nearest stocked facilities. This phased approach allows schools to gradually adapt to the new requirements while ensuring students have reliable access to menstrual products.
Diane Cushman Neal, founder and president of Justice Necessary, spoke with The Sopris Sun about the significance of the new legislation. “Representative Brianna Titone and I talked back and forth for a few years, and we decided to connect. In one of our meetings, we discussed what needs were out there. We knew this was a need, so we talked about bringing this [legislation] forward,” Neal said.
Titone, D-Arvada, was instrumental in bringing on bill co-sponsors, including Buckner, Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, while Justice Necessary played a crucial role behind the scenes in rallying support for the bill.
Justice Necessary, founded in 2020 by Neal as Donations for Dignity, addresses the gap left by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits, which exclude hygiene products. The Denver-based organization has been pivotal in combating period poverty through community partnerships, legislative advocacy and educational programs. Since its inception, Justice Necessary has donated over 4.5 million organic period products, 246,000 diaper wipes and more than 244,000 hygiene items.
According to a February 2022 article in the Journal of Public Health Reports, 11.3 million people in the U.S. couldn’t afford menstrual products in the previous year, with half having to choose between these products and food. Among menstruating college students, 14.2% faced period poverty, with 10% experiencing it monthly.
“We ran a study in Colorado and found that 90% of female teens have started their periods unexpectedly in public without period products,” Neal noted. “One of the things that we knew and were able to review hard data facts was that 80% of our students missed class due to not having period products.”
The stigma associated with menstruation can further exacerbate the problem. “Students may be mortified or embarrassed because they know they’ve stained their clothing and worried others can see it,” Neal said. “They’re just going to leave school for the day and forgo after-school activities, sports or studying with their peers. It is truly a piece that, educationally, is hurting our students.”
Justice Necessary’s work extends beyond individual donations. The organization collaborates with community colleges, food pantries and nonprofits to distribute personal hygiene products. They also support businesses and community groups that want to help.
“We have spoken before to businesses about ways to support their employees, as well as ways for which we always have opportunities for businesses to either host a hygiene drive or a packing party,” Neal explained.
Locally, organizations like LIFT-UP in the Roaring Fork Valley have also recognized the need for menstrual products. Samantha Heald, LIFT-UP’s logistics and warehouse manager, noted that while the nonprofit does not currently stock menstrual products, they have received significant support from WeeCycle, an Aurora-based nonprofit that provides essential baby gear and supplies to families in need.
“They sent us 11 pallets of diapers — in every size — and baby wipes. We allocate diapers and wipes monthly to each distribution location,” Heald said.
Heald noted that local hotels donate toiletries to LIFT-UP, which she packs into Ziploc bags with food for 72-hour emergency kits.
“I was making little bags, which is so nice for me to do because I’ve been homeless before, so it’s my passion project. We started with 10 bags a month, and now we’re up to over 400,” she said.
Justice Necessary’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to addressing period poverty and supporting all Coloradans with essential hygiene products.
“Access to personal hygiene ‘just is necessary,’ hence our name,” Neal concluded.
For more information about Justice Necessary, go to www.justicenecessary.org