CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Various retailers have nearly empty shelves where tampons used to be. This shortage is not only an inconvenience to consumers, but it also makes the impact of organizations like Crimson Cause even more significant.
The group primarily distributes feminine care products to shelters. President of Crimson Cause, Ashley Arevalo said with rising prices of essential items like tampons, especially during the pandemic, creates "a vicious cycle."
"With this tampon shortage, you know, it's affecting everyone, it's very easy for people to be affected by period poverty," Arevalo said.
The organization recently began distributing feminine products to schools.
"For some reason the schools don't budget for these products, which I think is kind of silly," Arevalo said. "They can budget for toilet paper or hand sanitizer, and menstrual products are just as essential as those items."
The community's support and donations make their efforts feel even more significant.
"It's just nice to be able to talk about periods because, you know, it erases the stigma," Arevalo said.
While you're waiting on shelves to restock, it is important to note that there are alternatives to using tampons. Dr. Mary Joy Hyde with OBGYN Associates suggests menstrual cups and discs.
"The nice thing about them is they're reusable. So they're more environmentally friendly," Hyde said. "They're easy to use once you get the hang of it."
Dr. Hyde added that period panties are also a good option.
"Again, reusable," Hyde said. "They also make period bathing suits, which are really nice for the younger girls so they can keep swimming."
While access to these products differs from each individual, Crimson Cause is not shy about stepping up to help someone in need of these essential items.
"I just want to give them to everyone who needs them," Arevalo said. "So that's what our goal is."
For more information on Crimson Cause, click the links below:
Facebook: @CrimsonCauseCC
Instagram: @crimsoncause
For more information regarding OBGYN Associates, click the link below:
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Mary Carroll High School alumni say goodbye to the old campus, "Once a Tiger, always a Tiger"
- High temperatures in Texas affect marine life as the water heats up
- CCISD looking to introduce new gun detecting technology into schools
- 'You're going to be held accountable': Two arrested for posting threat toward Aransas County schools
- Family waits months to receive death certificate from NuCo Medical Examiner's Office
- 'Incredibly emotional': Corpus Christi father, daughter funeral service workers on front lines in Uvalde
- Need to beat the heat? Here is a list of cooling centers in Corpus Christi
- Coastal Bend Pride Center continues to grow their efforts and resources
- Uvalde victim had her heart set on attending Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. They're now setting up a scholarship in her name.
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.