Press Releases
Rockland County Department of Health and Rockland County Menstrual Equity Workgroup Recognize Menstrual Health and Period Poverty during May
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Beth Cefalu, |
Rockland County Department of Health and Rockland County Menstrual Equity Workgroup Recognize Menstrual Health and Period Poverty during May
NEW CITY, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) and the Rockland County Menstrual Equity Workgroup recognize May as Menstrual Health Awareness Month, May 11-17th as Period Poverty Awareness Week, and May 28th as Menstrual Hygiene Day. This dedicated month, week, and day raise awareness to reduce stigma, address period poverty, and resolve the lack of access to menstrual products and education.
Period Poverty Awareness Week draws attention to the issue of period poverty and the negative impact it has on people who menstruate. Period poverty is the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, or basic sanitation facilities (like toilets and running water) due to financial constraints or stigma.
The mission of Menstrual Hygiene Day is to work together to create a #PeriodFriendlyWorld, which leads to a world where no one is held back just because they menstruate. Menstrual equity ensures equal access to safe, affordable, and hygienic menstrual products, as well as the development of community resources and support.
In May of 2025, the RCDOH, along with the Suffern Rotary Club’s Period Product Initiative, launched a workgroup to address this overlooked public health concern. As a workgroup, many local community partners come together monthly to share resources, educate, and address ways to support women, girls, and people who menstruate.
“Menstrual health is an important part of overall health,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “No one should miss school, work, or daily activities because they don’t have the products or information they need. When we improve access, we support the health of our whole community.”
The Rockland County Menstrual Equity Workgroup will be providing a menstrual equity and period poverty presentation at the Rockland County Legislature’s Special Committee on Health and Wellness on Wednesday, May 27th, at 5:30 pm, in the Legislative Chambers at 11 New Hempstead Road in New City. This meeting is open to the public, and your presence is welcome. Wear Red to show your support at this meeting and on Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th.
Are you interested in joining the menstrual equity movement in Rockland County? Contact the Rockland County Menstrual Equity Workgroup at RCMenstrualEquityWorkgroup@co.rockland.ny.us, and visit the RCDOH’s Menstrual Equity webpage.
###
Follow us on X: @rockhealth
Follow us on Instagram: Instagram.com/rocklandhealth
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/rockhealth
Visit our website: RocklandCountyNY.gov