Maiden Lane Medical Launches Citywide Menstrual Product Donation Initiative to Address Period Poverty in NYC
Maiden Lane Medical, one of New York City’s leading women’s healthcare practices, has launched a comprehensive menstrual product donation program to support women facing period poverty—a growing public health crisis impacting thousands across the city. The new initiative offers patients and community members a convenient way to donate unopened pads and tampons at seven Maiden Lane Medical locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Understanding Period Poverty in NYC
Period poverty refers to the limited or inconsistent access to menstrual hygiene products—such as pads, tampons, and clean underwear—due to financial hardship. Although it is an under-discussed issue, the impact is widespread:
- Nearly 2 in 3 low-income women in the United States struggled to afford menstrual products at least once in the past year, according to a study from St. Louis University.
- Many women resort to using unsafe alternatives, including paper towels or pieces of clothing.
- Lack of menstrual products can lead to missed work, missed school, medical complications, and long-term financial instability.
In New York City, where housing insecurity and homelessness are significant challenges, shelters and outreach organizations report a constant shortage of menstrual hygiene supplies. Unlike food or medication, pads and tampons are not covered by assistance programs such as SNAP (food stamps), leaving many without options.
A Sustainable Donation Program Designed by Women’s Health Experts
This donation initiative was developed by Dr. Rachel Barr, one of Maiden Lane Medical’s leading physicians, who recognized a recurring trend among her patients. Many women undergoing hysterectomy procedures, entering menopause, or changing menstrual product preferences often had unused, unopened pads or tampons they could not use anymore.
Rather than allowing these essential items to go to waste, the program creates a consistent and sustainable donation system that funnels these products to shelters where demand is critically high.
How the Program Works
Patients and community members can drop off unopened menstrual products at any of the seven Maiden Lane Medical facilities during regular business hours. Donations are collected and delivered directly to NYC homeless shelters and community support organizations serving women and families in need.
This ongoing initiative ensures a continuous supply of menstrual products and represents Maiden Lane Medical’s commitment to addressing both clinical and social determinants of women’s health.
Where to Donate: All Seven Locations Across Manhattan & Brooklyn
To maximize accessibility, Maiden Lane Medical has placed donation drop-off bins at all practice locations:
- Downtown Manhattan: 90 Maiden Lane
- Midtown Manhattan: 18 East 41st Street
- Upper East Side: 110 East 60th Street
- Walk-In Gynecology & Women’s Care: 222 East 34th Street
- SoHo Gynecology: 415 West Broadway
- Park Slope, Brooklyn: 503 5th Avenue
- Bay Ridge, Brooklyn: 7206 Narrows Avenue
Whether coming in for an appointment or passing by in the neighborhood, patients and community members can contribute at their convenience.
Why This Initiative Matters to Women's Health
According to Cathy Selca, Director of Operations at Maiden Lane Medical, “Many of our patients find themselves with surplus menstrual products after certain procedures or life transitions, while countless women in our community struggle daily to access these basic necessities. This program bridges that gap in a meaningful, human way.”
For Maiden Lane Medical, this initiative aligns with its broader mission: to elevate women’s health, advance community wellbeing, and address the hidden challenges that affect women’s dignity, safety, and quality of life.
A Long-Term Commitment to the Community
This is not a seasonal campaign—the program will run indefinitely. By establishing a long-term donation pipeline, Maiden Lane Medical aims to create sustained impact, helping NYC shelters and community organizations maintain a reliable supply of menstrual hygiene products year-round.
About Maiden Lane Medical
Maiden Lane Medical is a multi-specialty women’s healthcare practice offering services in gynecology, obstetrics, minimally invasive surgery, radiology, and walk-in care. With board-certified physicians and ACR-accredited medical imaging, the practice is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care for every stage of a woman’s life.
The donation drive marks another step in the practice’s dedication to addressing both clinical needs and the broader social issues that impact women’s health and dignity across New York City.
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