Tampon shortage affects those struggling financially

Yes, there is a shortage of tampons, and yes, it is starting to affect northwest Ohio. So far, however, most organizations report the decrease in available numbers isn't yet causing a crisis. NPR reported this week that a shortage of tampons nationwide "stems from a combination of factory staffing challenges, transportation bottlenecks, and the rising costs of key raw materials used to make the products, tampon makers say." Carrie Sampson, pharmacist and owner at Scarbrough Pharmacy, said the store sells tampons, but, since it's a smaller store, there are usually a few boxes on the shelves, rather than entire aisles like at some stores. So far "nobody's said anything" or "panicked" because they can't find them, she said. But Sampson looked up the stock her wholesaler reported having available and found that, in many cases, there were 28 boxes of a brand, or nine. In some cases, there were zero. "Normally, I would see 100-plus, and I'm not seeing that," she said. She said some appear to be backordered until late June. The NPR story quoted Dana Marlowe, the founder of I Support the Girls, an organization that provides menstrual products for people with economic hardship. Marlowe said the scarcity affects vulnerable groups the most. "She's met women who don't have the resources to make multiple trips to the store, she said, and have resorted to unsafe methods," the story stated. "'They're using cardboard and duct tape, ripped up sheets,' and other unsanitary items, she said." Findlay nonprofits that help those in need have mostly reported that they are not being hugely affected — at least, not yet. Tammy Stahl, executive director of Christian Clearing House, said the nonprofit gives out feminine hygiene products, along with other household supplies, to members of the public. Christian Clearing House also maintains baskets filled with them it the restrooms at The Family Center. "Those things are always a need," she said. Stahl said she hasn't heard a lot of concerns yet that clients have had trouble finding tampons. Christian Clearing House also gives out laundry soap, dish soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, among other items. Stahl said these items generally go out the door as soon as they come in. And, most of these items have recently become "really pricey." She noted that someone on Social Security disability may be living on less than $800 a month, which must pay for their rent and utilities, as well as all their other needs. In the summer, sunscreen is particularly needed, Stahl said, noting that it's more expensive than many other toiletries. Diapers, another item Christian Clearing House offers, have also gotten especially expensive, she said. Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services provides supplies at its shelter, as well as to its outreach clients. Director Ashley Ritz said the agency usually get a steady amount of donations of feminine hygiene products. "I would say that's slowed down," she said. She said Open Arms is not hearing a lot of concerns yet from clients who can't find tampons, but she worries that, if the shortage continues, that might be the case. In a stressful time in your life, not having access to the things you need creates additional stress, she said. And Ritz noted that, with inflation, there is also a financial strain, as not just tampons but "everything's costing more." Sue Lehman, CEO of Hope House, said the organization's case managers reported that none of their female clients have been impacted by the shortage at this point. "However, we always welcome donations of feminine hygiene products and are grateful when people remember our clients in that way," Lehman wrote in an email.