As an initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Schenectady Menstrual Health Coalition (SMHC) works to promote the health and well-being of individuals who menstruate in our area. SMHC works to increase period equity by bringing period products directly into under-resourced communities through a network of established and trusted community-based organizations.
On November 9th, 2022 SMHC launched our first Period Pantry at Bethesda House! Since then, we have added two more pantries at SICM and The YWCA of Schenectady. These pantries are small, free, weather-protected containers that house a multitude of menstrual hygiene products. This box is set up much like a Little Free Library or Little Food Pantry, inviting people to take what they need.
In addition to the launch of our Period Pantries, SMHC is thrilled to announce that on December 7th, 2022 we were chosen as the United Way Perfect Pitch Winners & Women’s United Premiere Partner for 2023! We presented our "pitch" and won $10,000 to help sustain our goals of expanding our pantries and facilitating educational programming in the city of Schenectady. See Here
If you would like to request a donation of period products for your organization, you can contact Claire or Brynn by phone or email. If you would like to donate period products or give a monetary donation to our initiative, you can find our PayPal here or scan our QR code.
Contact Information
NYS Public Health Corps Fellow
bw442@cornell.edu
(518) 545-7874
**************************************
NYS Public Health Corps Fellow
cj377@cornell.edu
(518) 396-7093
Last updated December 15, 2022