OB/GYN Interest Group hosts annual feminine hygiene products donation drive

Members of the OB/GYN Interest Group deliver menstrual supplies to McKemie Place.

One in 4 women in the United States faces challenges accessing menstrual products. The Whiddon College of Medicine's OB/GYN Interest Group decided to take action at the local level. 

Led by medical students AK Porter and Grace Chaffin, the interest group recently hosted a successful feminine hygiene products donation drive aimed at supporting underserved women in the Mobile area. 

The group collected an array of donations, including pads, tampons, sanitary wipes, underwear/diapers, and menstrual cups. These much-needed supplies were distributed to Flourish, a nonprofit empowering teen girls in Baldwin County, and McKemie Place, a local women’s shelter in Mobile.

Porter and Chaffin also organized informative workshops, providing a platform to discuss essential topics such as menstruation, menopause, preventative health, and mental health. 

“The OB/GYN Interest Group’s annual feminine hygiene products drive and education sessions are my favorite events of the year,” said Porter, who serves as the interest group's community service chair. “Witnessing the women’s enthusiasm to learn more about women’s health is incredibly inspiring, and we hope our efforts met the needs of the women at McKemie Place and Flourish. It is truly an honor to be part of an organization advocating for and aiding women.”