UA Collaboration Distributes Reproductive Health Kits for Disaster Prep

The Center for Biological Diversity partners with the University of Arizona to provide free emergency kits addressing sexual and reproductive health needs.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Center for Biological Diversity is partnering with the University of Arizona this Friday to distribute free sexual and reproductive health emergency preparedness kits on the university's main campus. The kits are designed to address a common gap in disaster planning by including items like condoms, emergency contraception, period products, pregnancy tests, dental dams, and lubricant.

Why it matters

Sexual health is a crucial component of overall health and safety during climate-fueled disasters, but it is often overlooked in standard emergency preparedness. This initiative aims to support communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change, including women, gender-diverse individuals, and people of color.

The details

The kits are the first time the environmental advocacy group is offering these items on a university campus. While standard emergency preparedness bags often include water and flashlights, they frequently overlook reproductive healthcare needs. The program also highlights the intersection between reproductive healthcare and climate justice, as climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.

  • The event is scheduled for Friday, March 6 from 10 a.m. to noon.
  • The event will take place on the Main Mall, east of Old Main on the UA campus.

The players

Center for Biological Diversity

An environmental advocacy group partnering with the University of Arizona to distribute the free sexual and reproductive health emergency preparedness kits.

University of Arizona

The university collaborating with the Center for Biological Diversity to host the distribution event on its main campus.

Kelley Dennings

A senior campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity who said sexual health is a crucial component of overall health and safety during disasters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sexual health might not be the first thing that people think of when preparing for disasters, but it really is a crucial component of the overall health and safety.”

— Kelley Dennings, Senior Campaigner, Center for Biological Diversity

“Flash floods and wildfires can make it impossible to access family planning and period supplies. The kits help make sure people won't have to scramble to care for their sexual health during climate-fueled severe weather emergencies.”

— Kelley Dennings, Senior Campaigner, Center for Biological Diversity

What’s next

The initiative is a collaboration between the Center for Biological Diversity, the UA Women & Gender Student Space, and the College of Public Health Southwest Center on Resilience for Climate Change and Health.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of addressing reproductive health needs in disaster planning, especially for marginalized communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change. By providing free emergency kits, the organizers aim to ensure people can access essential sexual and reproductive healthcare during climate-fueled crises.