Programs
ABORTION ACCESS FUND
Funded for several years by Friends of Family Planning, continued by MV Swell and our Donors.
We completely understand the importance of people’s choice for abortion. We also understand the hardship that often comes with the cost of traveling off island, leaving work, and covering expenses. We work to raise awareness and funds for just these.
Financial assistance from this fund, up to $1,000, is available to any person to assist with the financial costs associated with obtaining an abortion, either medical or surgical.
Generally, these funds are distributed as a reimbursement for costs such as medical professional charges, co-pays for medication, and transportation to and from the appointment for the patient and a companion. A request for reimbursement must include receipts from providers, as well as travel, medications, and co-pay expenses.
If it is more helpful for the fund to directly pay the provider for the procedure, this can be arranged. This fund is supported by our board members and donors, but any repayments, on any schedule, from participants are welcome and appreciated so other people have the same support.
One can contact MV Sexual Wellness directly at mvswell@gmail.com or through the Health Imperatives clinic staff 508-693-1208.
If one is looking for clinics supporting either procedure, go to our resource pages on this site. Health Imperatives is also available for this support.
VASECTOMY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Funded by Friends of Family Planning for several years, now MV Swell and Our Donors.
This program will reimburse any person up to $1,000 for costs associated with obtaining a vasectomy, whether on or off island. Costs may include medical procedure charges, co-pays for medication, transportation to and from the appointment, and costs associated with follow-up testing.
A request for reimbursement must include receipts from providers, as well as travel, medications, and co-pay expenses. If it is more helpful for the fund to directly pay the provider for the procedure, this can be arranged.
Repayments to this program from participants are welcome and appreciated so other people have the same support. One can contact MV Sexual Wellness directly by email; mvswell@gmail.com or through the Health Imperatives clinic staff 508-693-1208. If one is looking for clinics supporting either procedure, Go to our resource pages on this site. Health Imperatives is also available for this support.
MONTHLY TIDE PROGRAM
Since the summer of 2018, More than 350 boxes of high-quality, organic menstrual products have been donated every month by Martha’s Vineyard Sexual Wellness to the Island Food Pantry, and the Martha’s Vineyard Family Planning Clinic, operated by Health Imperatives, to give to their visitors.
In 2023 we increased our reach to those in need with supplies delivered monthly to the MV Boys & Girls Club food pantry, and the members of the Wampanoag Tribes of Aquinnah and Chappaquiddick.
Menstrual products are expensive and are not covered by government benefits. Terre Young, President of MV Swell explains the genesis of this program, “While interviewing a prospective board member, Kayte Morris who worked at the food pantry, I learned that neither WIC nor SNAP coupons could be used to purchase menstrual products. Kayte told us that the Food Pantry receives supplies from the Greater Boston Food Bank and those products are the least desirable for various reasons but that they fly off the shelves. What an honor it is to make such an important difference to women and their families in our community. I thank my board and every generous donor to this project and to our mission.”
Half of the population will have periods for up to forty years of their life. That is 450 menstrual cycles at a cost of thousands of dollars for the tampons and pads needed. Costs are even higher when medication, replacement underclothing, heating pads, and other necessary supplies are included. Time off and lost wages make menstruation even more costly. We can do more to stop period poverty. We estimate that it takes about $1,000 per month to supply these products to people in need.
Kayte Morris, Executive Director of the Island Food Pantry was ecstatic, “Menstrual products are some of the most sought-after and least-donated items at the pantry. This program has enabled us to meet our client’s needs beyond simple nutrition, and this partnership has really created a channel of support and solidarity for people in need on the Vineyard. It’s really wonderful to be a part of a community that cares so deeply and holistically about each other.”
The Monthly Tide Project was made possible through community donations and partnerships, originally with Conroy’s Apothecary and continuing with Cronigs Market who generously discounted products for this initiative.