LANSING, Mich. - In an effort to ensure that residents and visitors to city facilities have access to essential health products, Mayor Andy Schor and Councilmember Trini Pehlivanoglu announced that several City of Lansing facilities have begun distributing free feminine hygiene products in various public restrooms. This initiative is designed to remove barriers to basic health supplies, promoting equity and wellness for community members who are visiting city facilities.
"Access to feminine hygiene products is a basic need and the City of Lansing is committed to supporting the health and well-being of everyone in our community," said Mayor Andy Schor. "Visitors to these city facilities may need access to these products and by providing them we can help reduce the stigma and financial barriers that often come with accessing these essential items. I am happy to have worked with Councilmember Pehlivanoglu to implement this program."
The program is a direct response to a request from City Councilmember Trini Pehlivanoglu. After receiving the request from Councilmember Pehlivanoglu, Mayor Schor had City staff research feasibility and costs to place dispensing machines in busy public restrooms. After a pilot program, it was determined that this could be done, and the costs were minimal and within the property maintenance budget. The City is installing approximately 38 dispensers, with each costing $186.
“I am pleased that we are offering these essential items and reducing barriers in City owned buildings,” said City Councilwoman Trini Pehlivanoglu.
Facilities where products are available in women’s restrooms include:
· Lansing City Hall: 1st, 3rd, 7th, 9th, 10th Floors
· Foster Community Center
· Gier Community Center
· Letts Community Center
· Schmidt Southside Community Center
· Fenner Nature Center
· Turner Dodge House
· Groesbeck Golf Course
Future plans call for dispensers to be installed after the winter in select larger parks restrooms, including:
· Gier Park
· Kircher Park
· Frances Park
· Davis Park
· Bancroft Park
· Sycamore Park
· Grand River Park
· Rudolph and Dorothy Wilson Park
· Stabenow Park
· Ranney Park
· Moores Park and Pool
· Hunter Park and Pool
· Risdale Park
· Marshall Park
In addition, the City expects to continue this practice by installing dispensers in future facilities under construction and planning, including the upcoming Public Safety & District Court complex and the New City Hall.
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