Throughout my life, I’ve volunteered for countless organizations, from Masjidullah’s Soup Kitchen, St. Jude’s, the YMCA, and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. While I’ve loved every moment of making sandwiches for the community, creating inspirational cards for kids with cancer, conversing with senior citizens, and serving hot meals; I felt as though I could make an even more substantial impact in other areas that focus specifically on personal matters that also play a significant role in the lives of others physically and mentally.
I knew of many organizations that primarily donated food and clothes, but only a handful presented hygiene products. In addition, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are federally funded health and nutrition programs. SNAP and WIC help low-income families and their children.” However, hygiene products are not included in either of those programs. That’s when I knew I needed to step in. I had the passion for filling a void: unspoken hygiene poverty crisis, specifically within marginalized and underserved communities.
It is concluded that research has shown that improved hygiene practices can lead to increased confidence rates, classroom engagement and class attendance; decreased insecurity rates, the transmission of viruses, bullying, depression, and other mental ailments. Considering this, my organization is working to address issues such as hygiene product accessibility, period poverty, and youth involvement that plague BIPOC communities. By increasing their access to hygiene products, underrepresented families have the prospect of developing better physical and mental health practices.
Ms. Aliyah Saleem is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University majoring in Public and Nonprofit Administration and minoring in Health and Society. She is a 2022 Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service Recipient, Johnson & Johnson Pathway to Success participant, Former New Jersey Orator (Plainfield Chapter), and Johnson & Johnson Bridge to Employment Alumna. She resides in Plainfield, New Jersey, and has a history of volunteering for several organizations. Ms. Saleem has dedicated well over 300 hours of community service. She is inspired to lead, educate and empower others, take on new challenges, and make a lasting impact in communities worldwide.
By the Numbers...
1 in 10...
A study conducted by George Mason University not only found that 1 in 10 college women experience period poverty, but that those who do were more likely to experience depression.
1 in 5...
According to a national survey commissioned by Thinx & PERIOD, “... of 1,000 menstruating teens, 1 in 5 struggled to afford period products and 4 in 5 either missed or knew someone who missed class time because they did not have access to period products.”
20%...
20% of Black people who menstruate experience poverty and get by doing things like borrowing products, using toilet paper, fabric, or using nothing.
1 million...
According to the CDC, “Researchers estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands, one million deaths a year could be prevented.”
2.4 Billion...
According to the World Health Organization, "2.4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services such as toilets and latrines."
1 in 3...
One in three U.S. families with young children report that they are unable to afford an adequate supply of diapers for their children.
80%...
Nearly 80% of illness-causing germs are spread by your hands.
© Hope for Health and Hygiene