Commission launches research on free menstrual products and contraceptive options in city facilities

The Pittsburgh Gender Equity Commission on June discussed plans to create a citywide model for free menstrual products and contraceptives in publicly owned facilities, driven by an intern's comparative research.

"Her name is Hannah, and, hopefully, she'll be joining us next at our next meeting," the chair said, introducing the summer intern who is compiling a matrix of other cities’ programs that will list population, program details, funding sources, startup and annual costs, and stocking methods. The matrix is intended to help the commission identify models that could be replicated in Pittsburgh and to support an education campaign for elected officials.

Commissioners discussed outreach and partnerships to reduce costs. One commissioner said a local nonprofit leader, Tamara, previously offered supplemental products and might partner on donations or education, though commissioners noted donations alone may not be viable at the scale the city would require. "She did offer her assistance with, like, helping heavily with that education campaign," the chair said.

A commissioner offered a legislative tracking resource showing four Pennsylvania bills related to ending period poverty that could inform the commission’s approach. Commissioners agreed the long-term plan is to use the matrix to select one or a blended model to present to city leadership and to work with HR and other departments on implementation details.

Next steps: the intern will continue building the matrix and resource links; commissioners will identify local data contributors and possible partner organizations to quantify startup and ongoing costs before drafting a proposed model for city decision-makers.