November 19, 2024
Period Action Day is an annual event founded in 2019 by PERIOD., a global youth-led nonprofit dedicated to ending period poverty and stigma. Now observed internationally, Period Action Day celebrates the efforts of youth activists in the menstrual equity movement and seeks to inspire further action in communities worldwide to address period poverty through advocacy, education, and service.
Period poverty refers to inadequate access to menstrual products and menstrual health education due to financial constraints or societal stigma. For millions worldwide, period poverty impacts their ability to manage menstruation safely and comfortably, leading to missed school days, limited job opportunities and reduced overall well-being. These barriers are often compounded by cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation, which can prevent open discussions and leave those affected isolated.
PERIOD. is committed to breaking down these barriers. Through community service, educational initiatives and policy advocacy, the organization aims to normalize discussions about menstruation, remove stigmas and champion menstrual equity. The organization centers its work on supporting vulnerable communities and local initiatives, recognizing that sustainable change often starts at the community level.
The Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways (RUSP) program is a learning community that prepares medical students to serve in underserved areas. The 2024 Period Action Day saw impactful collaboration in Ohio, with the Office of Rural and Underserved Programs, RUSP and OhioHealth O’Bleness Family Medicine Residency joining forces to combat period poverty locally. Held Oct.11, the event featured Letitia Price from Ohio University’s Women’s Center , who presented research on period poverty and the tangible effects it has on communities. Volunteers then distributed the packed bags of essential menstrual health supplies to local blessing boxes, ensuring accessible support for those in need.
“The Period Action Day is important to me because I grew up in a rural town in Appalachia and knew of people who could not always afford to buy their own period supplies," said Mary Beth Burton, OMS I, who volunteered at Period Action Day. "Periods are hard enough as a menstruating person, and the last thing you should have to worry about is having access to resources in order to function in your everyday life.”
Nearly 1 in 4 students struggle to afford period products in the United States leading to 44 percent of teens reporting stress and embarrassment due to the lack of access to period products.
Participants gathered to pack bags containing essential items for menstrual health, ensuring those in need would have access to:
- Pads, panty liners, and tampons
- Scented feminine hygiene wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Poise incontinence supplies (in select packages)
- Condoms (in select packages)
These supplies help those facing financial or logistical barriers to maintain dignity and health during their menstrual cycles.