Johns Hopkins Medicine Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics

The Violet Project is a non-profit organization run by Johns Hopkins Medicine to increase access to sexual and reproductive health services and education for low-income adolescents and young adults in Maryland.

We have a functional website with educational videos on a variety of topics including menstrual hygiene, HIV prevention, and building healthy relationships. The content on the site is evaluated by a youth advisory board to ensure that material is easily accessible and relevant. The website also has a free online store for young people with financial need; they can order menstrual hygiene products (including pads, tampons, period underwear, and menstrual cups), condoms, and self-collect STI test kits for free. We also distribute these products and educational materials to low-income young people who are seen in our clinics throughout Baltimore.

In 2019, 80% of Baltimore City public school students qualified for free or reduced-price meals based on financial need, putting them at or below the poverty line. We hope to support these adolescents through the donation of products that can support not only their reproductive health, but also better their overall wellbeing. Many of these adolescents don't have access to self care and wellness items.

Through this crowdfunding page, we will use donations to support low-income adolescents in accessing menstrual hygiene products and STI testing for free. We will also provide products in their packages for hygiene and self-care (like deodorants, soaps, and skincare). Additionally, this funding will be used to support our patients in accessing visits in-clinic by providing transportation to the clinic. We will continue to fund our virtual clinic visits to overcome additional barriers that may arise in accessing in-person care.