PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Period poverty is a major issue for those struggling financially – especially those who are unhoused. The problem is the accessibility of feminine hygiene products. For many adolescents, it is a cause for missing school to avoid embarrassment.
Four years ago, young physicians in training at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia created the menstrual health equity initiative to help break down barriers. They researched the issue and found funding to deliver monthly period packs to shelters. Each pack had fifteen products including pads and tampons.
Their efforts have been detailed in the New England Journal of Medicine. The hope is that this could serve as a model for healthcare institutions reaching out and helping their communities.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
