LIJFH and For Women By Women, Period staff competing in the dragon boat race. Credit: Laureylene Ortaliza
By Olivia Graffeo | olivia@queensledger.com
This year’s annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows Corona Park was attended by thousands of people with over 150 teams participating in the races. One of these teams was a group from Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital Northwell. Composed of doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, the team represented Northwell in the dragon boat race, working to raise money for their Menstrual Equity initiative.
Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Northwell has teamed up with community organization For Women By Women, Period to spread awareness about period poverty and those affected. Stancy Saji, the Program Manager at LIJFH, spoke about the persistent issues faced by those who menstruate.
“[Many] cannot afford menstrual products. We’re trying to remove the stigma… it should be affordable,” she said.
LIJFH and For Women By Women, Period staff during the Dragon Boat Festival. Credit: Laureylene Ortaliza
In addition to the boat team from Northwell, the organization was a sponsor of the event and had a stall on the grounds with an outreach table providing information about their Menstrual Equity program. Through the initiative, Northwell is able to provide not only information to those who need it, but also period products.
“We raise money, collect items… This is a cause that hits home for a lot of people,” Saji said.
In the hope of spreading awareness and collecting money to help people in need, the team of hospital staff trained tirelessly for the boat race. The dedicated group went out to practice once a week on the water in anticipation of the event.
“The team had an amazing time. We look forward to going to this event every year. [We] meet up with each other, do something different,” Saji said. “Being able to bring attention to period poverty.”
Northwell was able to raise $1,500 for their Menstrual Equity program from the event, in addition to products collected through donations. The initiative is only growing, with workshops, events, and marches on the horizon. To Saji and the Northwell team, menstrual health and equity for period products is an extremely important cause. The Dragon Boat event was just one example of their journey in finding creative ways to help their community.
“Engage with the community, provide resources, connect with people,” Saji said of Northwell’s mission. “Find ways to support women and all individuals.”
