Medical Students Address Questions on Menstrual Health During Girls’ High School Visit 

By S.Browne. Updated 11:03 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Medical students from St. James School of Medicine, through its Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) Interest Group, engaged students of the St. Vincent Girls’ High School during a health outreach visit aimed at improving awareness and understanding of menstrual and reproductive health.

The outreach, conducted on May 28 by members of the institution’s OB/GYN Interest Group, brought together approximately 75 to 90 students aged 13 to 15 for interactive sessions focused on feminine health, puberty, and menstrual hygiene.

During the visit, students participated in discussions covering menstrual cycle education, changes during puberty, reproductive anatomy and physiology, personal hygiene practices, and common myths surrounding menstruation. Age-appropriate information on consent and healthy boundaries was also included.

According to the organisers, the session provided an open environment for students to ask questions and seek clarification on issues often not fully addressed in traditional classroom settings. These included concerns about menstrual pain, irregular cycles, hygiene practices, and misconceptions related to reproductive health.

The OB/GYN Interest Group also distributed feminine hygiene supplies, including sanitary pads and menstrual care items packaged into individual care kits. Approximately 150 students benefited from the donation.

The supplies were made possible through contributions from St. James School of Medicine students, in collaboration with the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). Members of the group also assisted with organising and packaging the items prior to distribution.

The organisation stated that the outreach highlighted gaps in students’ understanding of menstrual and reproductive health, particularly in relation to puberty, menstrual management, and identifying when medical attention may be required.

President of the OB/GYN Interest Group, Kyona Lawrence, said the initiative was designed to provide both accurate information and practical support to young women.

“This initiative was created to bridge gaps in adolescent reproductive health education by providing both accurate medical information and essential hygiene resources. Our goal is to empower young girls with knowledge, reduce stigma around menstruation, and promote confidence in understanding their own health,” she said.

The OB/GYN Interest Group is a student-led organisation within St. James School of Medicine focused on women’s health education, mentorship, and community outreach. The group comprises 15 active medical student volunteers and has undertaken previous initiatives including reproductive health talks, hygiene awareness drives, and mentorship activities for adolescent girls.

Established in 2023, the group noted that the recent visit marked one of its structured school-based outreach activities under its current leadership.

Looking ahead, the organisation intends to expand its work into a wider national programme aimed at supporting adolescent reproductive health education across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is currently seeking partnerships with healthcare organisations, non-governmental organisations, corporate sponsors, and community stakeholders to support this expansion.

Support may include donations of menstrual hygiene products and educational materials, sponsorship of outreach activities, volunteer expertise for workshops, and logistical assistance for island-wide programmes.

Interested individuals and organisations may contact the group’s president, Kyona Lawrence, at [email protected] for further information.

END