Menstrual Health Awareness Month

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Menstrual Health Awareness Month is a new observance to recognize women, girls, and menstruating people residing in the United States. 

The month coincides with Period Poverty Awareness Week, historically held the last week of May, and World Menstrual Hygiene Day which is held annually on May 28. All of these moments reinforce the importance of menstrual health awareness and education, and The Flow Initiative is at the forefront of this conversation. 

EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN

To celebrate, The Flow Initiative launched its inaugural Voices For Change campaign during Menstrual Health Awareness Month. Voices For Change is a social media campaign to amplify diverse voices working to end period poverty in New Jersey and beyond. 

The campaign featured women who are grassroots leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, and influential voices including: 

• Tracy Severe, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
• Tejal Parekh, Brightdollface
• Jordan Hernandez, Completely Booked 
• Joelle Hernandez, Double Dough
• Tere Fox, Jersey City Moms
• Deb Belfatto, Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness 
• Chelsea Duffy, Local Modiv
• Helen Archontou, YWCA Northern New Jersey
• Jennifer Tripucka, The Local Girl Media Group
• Eiko La Boria, The Flow Initiative
• Sabrina Browne, The Flow Initiative
• And more!

PRODUCT DONATIONS

The Flow Initiative also donated more than 40,000 products to schools, college campuses, shelters, and housing authorities. The organization also held seven menstrual health workshops with University Academy Charter High School, Science Park High School, YWCA Northern New Jersey, and more. In addition to participating in the annual Hudson Gives fundraiser, where funds were raised to support our mission to #endperiodpoverty and achieve menstrual equity for all.

CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

The Flow Initiative also spoke at the Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey Teen Conference, where we educated the next generation on menstrual equity. More than 200 people wherein attendance to learn more about menstrual health, mesntrual equity, and dignified menstruation.

ADVOCACY

Beyond workshops, The Flow Initiative partnered with the NJ Assembly’s Committee on Women and Children to pass A1349, which establishes a program for the Department of Education to reimburse school districts for providing menstrual products in certain public schools and requires State to pay costs. 

Looking ahead, The Flow Initiative will continue advancing legislative measures in New Jersey and nationwide. The organization is currently working with U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-NJ), Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-NJ), and several other elected officials and organizations to make a measurable and meaningful difference in local communities.