Innovative Program Tackles Menstrual Poverty Among Youth

A recent study published in the June 2025 edition of Pediatrics highlights the effectiveness of a new initiative aimed at combating menstrual poverty, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Menstrual poverty, also known as period poverty, is characterized by inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and the necessary education for their proper use.

According to the study, which was conducted at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's Downtown Health Plaza Pediatric Clinic in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a screening tool was introduced to identify young individuals facing menstrual poverty. The tool was utilized during well visits from April to July 2022, assessing 110 patients aged 12 and older based on their access to menstrual products, school attendance, and related stress.

Key findings from the research revealed that:

• 10% of participants reported needing menstrual products.
• 7.1% indicated missing school due to a lack of supplies.
• 10% experienced stress related to their menstrual cycles stemming from insufficient access to products.

The initiative was a collaborative effort with the Triad North Carolina chapter of The Period Project, which provided menstrual hygiene products to those identified as experiencing menstrual poverty. This partnership ensured that patients received essential supplies at no cost.

The program's lead researcher emphasized the significance of addressing menstrual poverty through clinical-community partnerships, asserting that such initiatives are crucial for enhancing the well-being of young individuals. The findings from this study highlight the urgent need for similar programs across the country to foster important discussions about menstruation and provide necessary support to affected individuals.

The study concludes that addressing menstrual poverty is not only achievable but vital for the health and education of adolescents, paving the way for broader advocacy and action in this area.