Alleviating Period Poverty in Our Community

By: Krista Bair, MEd, CHES


Outreach coordinator and educator with AtlantiCare Family Planning

Access to Supplies, Education Boosts Self-Esteem, Opportunity

We’ve all heard the familiar saying: Our bodies are our temples. Take care of ourselves and we are able to maximize our health and wellness to live vibrant, productive lives.

So, why is it that so many women face a lack of access to some of the resources that would help them do just that?

One in four women has had difficulty affording period products in the past year. As we recognize Period Poverty Awareness Week (May 23-29) and Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, it is valuable to highlight the inequities of something that is a natural, healthy part of a woman’s life.

On average, a woman will menstruate every month for approximately 40 years. As a result, period products are not a luxury but a necessity for proper hygiene. It should come as no surprise then that a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products has various negative impacts on women. For instance, one in three low-income women will miss school, work or another daily life event due to the inability to pay for period products.

This is unacceptable, and I’m proud to share AtlantiCare is taking the lead to alleviate Period Poverty. For the second year, we have partnered with local businesses and organizations during the month of May to collect items including pads, panty liners and tampons while raising awareness of Period Poverty and its impact on women.

Our hope is that by increasing access to products and education we can destigmatize what is a normal part of life. As early as age eight girls learn to navigate this new part of their life, and they should not need to worry about having the supplies needed to care for themselves.

Just as important as the access to products is having a supportive environment. The conversation around menstruation should be supportive and uplifting. This is not something to be viewed with shame or embarrassment. Having a trusted adult provide early, accurate, and ongoing information should be available to each young woman.

Equipping women with the physical necessities and emotional support they need will lead to greater self-esteem and feelings of empowerment that can unlock opportunities for successful futures.

As the mother of two daughters, I am personally invested in assuring that menstruation is not viewed as something that limits our lives. Instead, we should celebrate its role in life.

Our bodies are our temples. Let’s work together to make sure we can all treat them that way.

Through May, AtlantiCare Family Planning is collecting feminine hygiene products to provide women, schools and organizations in southeastern New Jersey. Look for pink donation bins at many of our sites and throughout the community, or make a financial donation through the AtlantiCare Foundation.

We appreciate all forms of support.

Krista Bair, MEd, CHES, is an outreach coordinator and educator with AtlantiCare Family Planning.

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