Macon-Bibb first municipality in Georgia to have free period products in government buildings

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller announced Tuesday that free tampons and pads are now available at City Hall, recreation centers and the courthouse.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County is the first municipality in Georgia and one of few across the country to have free period products in government buildings. Tuesday afternoon, Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller, along with Macon Period Easier and other partners, celebrated the historical moment.

Miller says 222 tampon and pad dispensaries are placed in bathrooms across the county free of charge.

Claire Cox with Georgia STOMP says “period poverty” is real and women deserve access to improve health, go to school and be present in activities.

“The acceptance that period products belong in bathrooms just like toilet paper, paper towels and soap is actually happening,” she said. “It’s something we dreamed of.”

Mayor Miller says he hopes to encourage the state legislature to make period product dispensaries available across the state. He’s also encouraging state lawmakers to drop the tax on period products.

Atlanta and Athens municipalities are also looking into adding period products in government buildings.