The Pad Patrol
Blood. It’s what unites us as women. It’s that cyclic reminder that we are part of the creative process, that we were designed to nurture life. Whether we choose to procreate or not, we all have that creative potential within.
But not everyone celebrates that potential within us. Not everyone allows us to take care of our most basic needs as women. In nursing homes across the country, many women are NOT supplied with pads or tampons, but are forced to purchase them out of their small allowances. A lot of women are afraid to speak out about this issue for fear of punishment by the nursing homes.
This is illegal. Federal Medicaid rules say that nursing home and institution residents must be supplied with basic sanitary items. If you know someone who is not receiving the proper sanitary items, this needs to be reported.
As a way to help those in immediate need, the Pad Patrol is collecting donations of pads and tampons and making them available to women in nursing homes and those with low income. Here’s an easy way to make a difference in the life of a disabled woman. Bring or send pads or tampons to:
Karen Washington, F.R.I.D.A.
c/o Access Living
115 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60610
However, we need women to report this problem to the proper authorities to deter abuse. If you want to report it but are not sure what to do, contact us.
For more information, contact Karen at 312-640-2115 or kwashington@accessliving.org.
