P3A040: Here, Healthier Happens Together: Menstrual Equity and Education for Adolescents

Background: Menstruation presents significant financial and educational challenges for many people who menstruate – especially for adolescents navigating the early years of their periods. Twenty-two US states tax period products as “non-essential” or “luxury items.” 25 million women and 12 million children in the US live at or below the federal poverty level, yet none of the Federal Programs (Medicaid/Food Stamps/WIC) cover or subsidize menstrual hygiene products. Lack of affordable access to menstrual hygiene products for adolescents is associated with increased school absenteeism: approximately 1 in 5 American girls/women have missed school due to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products. Poor access to menstrual hygiene products leads to reduced quality of life and increased prevalence of mental health issues. Historically marginalized communities experiencing financial burdens face even more drastic effects of period poverty. Pediatricians can play a role by educating adolescents about good menstrual hygiene and connecting with organizations providing period products. The “HERe, Healthier Happens Together” initiative beginning in 2022 brought clinicians, business leaders, policy advocacy groups and community-engaged organizations together to remove economic barriers to menstrual health products, educate people about the importance of menstrual equity and decrease the stigma around menstrual hygiene.

Methods: The “HERe, Healthier Happens Together” platform was designed with multiple components to address this complex issue. The initiative started with education on menstruation and period poverty through a panel with clinicians, policy advocacy group leaders and community-based group leaders. An essential component of the initiative, partnerships were sought out to advance state and federal policies. The platform then involved CVS Health taking action to remove the barriers identified: paying the sales tax on menstrual products in 12 states, reducing the prices of store brand period products and expanding MinuteClinic menstrual services to make menstrual care more accessible.

Results: Early results of the “HERe, Healthier Happens Together” initiative suggests that people who menstruate are benefiting from the platform’s education and messaging. Since the initiative’s launch in October 2022, two additional states have had laws go into effect removing the luxury tax on menstrual products. As the program continues, more data is being collected about how it’s improving young peoples’ and families’ ability to purchase menstrual products. We’ll have one-year benchmark results in October 2023 for the event presentation.

Conclusion: Menstrual health and equity are important components of adolescents’ health. Clinicians and community groups can partner to educate young people about menstrual health resources, ensuring proper hygiene practices. CVS Health is continuing to build on the “HERe, Healthier Happens Together” platform and will be launching additional programming to address adolescents’ menstrual needs, but more work and research must be done to make appropriate menstrual products and resources available to young people no matter their background.