In a groundbreaking move at the upcoming Fifth Annual Grow With The Flo Women & Girls’ Health Expo on May 23rd, 2026, public health nonprofit Scrub Life Cares will unveil its innovative community initiative called ‘The Open Closet.’ This pioneering program represents a significant advancement in addressing both health equity and environmental sustainability through clothing accessibility.
The Open Closet establishes a welcoming space where expo attendees can freely select and acquire quality clothing items—including clean, gently used, or new garments—completely free of charge. This initiative emerges from the organization’s recognition that clothing accessibility directly impacts multiple dimensions of well-being, including confidence levels, emotional health, social engagement, and overall quality of life.
Simultaneously, the program addresses the growing environmental crisis caused by textile waste and clothing overproduction. By creating a sustainable channel for clothing redistribution, The Open Closet tackles both social needs and ecological concerns through a single, integrated approach.
Tanya Ambrose, Founder and CEO of Scrub Life Cares, emphasized the comprehensive nature of their approach: ‘Health outcomes are fundamentally shaped by social, environmental, and economic factors. The Open Closet represents our commitment to addressing these interconnected systems by meeting immediate community needs while promoting environmentally conscious practices.’
The initiative operates on a dignity-centered model that eliminates registration requirements and eligibility screenings. This design intentionally prioritizes individual autonomy, reduces potential stigma, and reinforces respect for personal choice—all essential components of effective health equity work.
The Grow With The Flo Expo itself serves as Scrub Life Cares’ flagship annual event, bringing together health professionals, community organizations, and advocates to provide comprehensive wellness programming. From its beginnings as an intimate gathering of under 100 participants, the event has expanded significantly to serve hundreds annually, demonstrating both community need and trust in the organization’s evidence-based, dignity-centered methodology.
The incorporation of The Open Closet strengthens the Expo’s holistic wellness framework by acknowledging that basic necessities—including appropriate clothing—constitute fundamental components of health, social participation, and quality of life.