LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky medical students are launching a project to provide feminine hygiene products for anyone who needs them. 

Their goal is to address the need for products related to women’s menstrual cycles in underserved areas. 

Leshaia Davis-Johnson is a second-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She came up with the idea for free feminine health pantries after seeing “Little Free Libraries” in neighborhoods. 

Instead of books, her idea provides free tampons, pads, wipes and inspirational cards for those who need them. 

“We’re here for our community and to have these products and say, you know, we’re excited to [the] wellness of everyone, to make sure everyone knows that you know how to take care of themselves,” Davis-Johnson said. 

As aspiring medical professionals in the University of the Louisville School of Medicine’s Student National Medical Association, the students believe it’s important for all people to have access to basic health supplies. 

They say they often notice an unhoused population near the school and want to give back to the community. 

“Feminine hygiene products, they typically are pretty high priced. And when you’re trying to service people that especially like a part of transient populations, can’t really have access to those products or can afford those products,”, medical student Nia Blanchard said.

The group says the project is the first of it’s kind anywhere. 

“It’s just a reminder that, you know, we’re here for you. We understand what you may go through and you may not be conformed to your situation,” Davis-Johnson said.

The boxes are on the corners of Preston Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Chestnut and Floyd Street.

The students are working on creating the Feminine Hygiene Community Box Foundation, which would allow community members to sponsor a box.