MDW Cares Announces The Essentials Exchange to Increase Access to Period Products

MDW Cares Launches The Essentials Exchange to Increase Access to Period Products Across Kane County, Illinois.

What happens when someone can't access a basic necessity?

That question sparked the creation of The Essentials Exchange, a new initiative from MDW Cares designed to increase access to menstrual care products throughout Kane County.

While menstrual products are essential, they are often overlooked in conversations about basic needs. Yet the reality is that many women and girls continue to struggle to access these necessities.

In Illinois alone, nearly 2.75 million women and girls between the ages of 12 and 44 menstruate. Of those, more than 382,000 live below the federal poverty level, and more than 613,000 rely on Medicaid, Medical Assistance, or other government assistance programs. Even among households receiving support, many continue to face difficult financial decisions as they work to cover housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other everyday expenses.

Research also shows that nearly 60% of families living in poverty experience ongoing financial distress, making it difficult to cover unexpected expenses or purchase basic necessities. More than 42,000 Illinois women participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program receive assistance for food needs, but many still struggle to afford other essential items, including menstrual care products.

"Period products are not a luxury item, they're a basic necessity," said Elizabeth Rago, Executive Director of MDW Cares. "When someone doesn't have access to the products they need, it can impact school attendance, work, confidence, health, and overall well-being. The Essentials Exchange is about removing one barrier and helping people meet a very real need with dignity."

The Essentials Exchange seeks to build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, social service agencies, businesses, and community members to increase access to menstrual care products throughout Kane County.

MDW Cares is currently building an interest list for:

• Schools and school staff

• Nonprofit organizations

• Healthcare providers

• Businesses interested in hosting donation drives

• Community volunteers

• Financial supporters and sponsors

Community members interested in supporting the initiative or learning more are encouraged to join the interest list.

For more information or to join the interest list, fill out this Google Form.

---

About MDW Cares

MDW Cares is a Kane County-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals access mental health resources, women's health resources, community support, education, and practical assistance. Through partnerships, programming, and community-driven initiatives, MDW Cares works to reduce barriers to care and strengthen local connections.