Frequently Asked Questions

Menstrual equity is a worldwide movement focused on destigmatizing the menstruation experience and making menstrual products affordable and accessible. Menstruation is a normal bodily function that occurs to half the population on a monthly basis. 86% of individuals who menstruate have gotten their period in public without notice. 1 in 4 have missed school or work at least once due to the lack of access to products. No student should have their school day interrupted because they do not have access to menstrual products. 

This lack of access to schools and other public spaces creates inequitable situations. Think about not having toilet paper available in the bathroom. When organizations make menstrual products easily accessible, individuals who menstruate are better able to perform tasks without the disruption and reduces fear and embarrassment of bleeding which often leads to feelings of shame. This page hopes to answer frequently asked questions about menstrual equity.

State and local governments recognize this growing problem and have taken steps to pass legislation. Currently, 22 states have passed some form of legislation to improve access to menstruation products. Dotstash Founder and CEO Mona Powell is a member of the AB367 Coalition in California. She and her team are actively working to make menstrual products accessible state wide. 

Schools and select organizations across have to comply. 22 states have taken notice and passed or enacted Menstrual Equity bills with more being introduced. To learn more about menstrual equity compliance, visit our dedicated page here.

AB367 – California’s Menstrual Equity for All Act, passed on October 2021, requires California public schools and universities to provide free menstrual products to students by August of 2022. For schools teaching grades 6-12, products are required to be free and easily accessible in every female, all gendered, and one male restroom. For public universities, products must be made available in at least one central location. You can learn more on our dedicated AB 367 page.

For more information on the Menstrual Equity for All Act, please visit the officialAB367 bill text. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB367

Dotstash is a turnkey solution for menstrual equity compliance, making it easy for schools & districts to become AB367 compliant. We have various products from restroom dispensers to organic and standard products that fit any budget. We also provide guidance to schools that are eligible for reimbursement from the State of California. 

Yes. We support any organization that wants to make menstrual products accessible. 

What products and/or services are available?

Please see our Menstrual Equity Compliance page 

How much does Dotstash cost?

Our costs vary depending on the type of school, the size of the student population, and the number of restrooms in each organization. Please schedule a meeting with us to begin the process of getting a cost estimate.  

If you're a school or county organization, you may visit this page to complete a quote form. A member of our team will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Who makes your dispensers?

In addition to our own Dotstash full unit and Dotstash period box, we offer a variety of menstrual hygiene dispensers through our partnership with HOSPECO. You can view our list of dispensers on our website here: https://dotstash.co/collections/menstrual-hygiene-dispensers

Yes, you can however, for dispensers made by HOSPECO, they ship directly from one of their warehouses. You will be billed a separate invoice for the freight cost.

Dotstash period boxesare shipped directly from Dotstash within 1-2 business days.

Yes, schools can take advantage of special pricing. You may fill out our quote form to request pricing on the products you selected.

Contact your District Superintendent and school principal in writing. 

Perfect for public spaces, the Dotstash full unit is a smart vending machine that dispenses organic menstrual products, while educating users through its media display. Each unit is unique and designed by an artist from the menstruating community. You can learn more on our dedicated page here.

Dispenses premium quality organic menstrual products with an engaging media display. It has the ability to facilitate free menstrual product programs and can provide stats on how your program is doing. 

The Dotstash full unit is meant to be out in the open, in dense public spaces. It is a great option for Universities who are looking for a solution to make menstrual products accessible in a central location. 

To learn more, schedule a meeting with us!

Current lead times are 3-6 months.

We developed the Dotstash Period Positive School Program to provide leadership opportunities for students that want to be a part of the solution at their school. 

Students may submit an inquiry form or email info@dotstash.co to start a Dotstash Ambassador Chapter at their school. 

Students can get involved by advocating for their schools to become menstrual equity compliant. Dotstash is here to help schools make menstrual products accessible in their organization. To become an ambassador,complete our form. 

We believe in strength in numbers. Parents can advocate for their children in the following ways:

1. Have direct conversations with administrators at the school and district levels.
2. Encourage their child to be a part of the solution and become an ambassador.
3. Donate to your local school’sDotstash Period Positive School Program. 

Teachers are great menstrual equity champions. Contact your principals, school administrators, and district to find out how they’re approaching menstrual equity. Teachers can also host a Period Positive Program Classroom Box. 

• Donate 
• Write and send an Advocacy Letter (insert template)