May 20-28, 2024: Period Poverty Awareness Week

WHEREAS, period supplies are a necessary product, each month, for millions of people across the country; and,

WHEREAS, national surveys and research studies report that two in five women and girls struggle to secure enough period supplies to meet their needs each month due to a lack of income; and,

WHEREAS, this lack of period supplies, known as period poverty, can adversely affect the health and well-being of menstruators; and,

WHEREAS, period poverty exacerbates the vicious cycle of poverty by forcing menstruators to withdraw from daily life, losing pay or missing educational opportunities; and,

WHEREAS, menstruators struggling with period poverty risk infections by using proxy products – such as socks or toilet paper – or not changing products as often as needed; and,

WHEREAS, the people of Michigan recognize that period poverty is a public health issue, and addressing period poverty can lead to economic opportunity for the state’s people and communities, and improved health for menstruators, thus ensuring all people have access to the basic necessities required to thrive and reach their full potential; and, 

WHEREAS, Michigan is proud to be home to trusted community-based organizations, that recognize the importance of period products in ensuring health and providing economic stability by distributing period products through various channels;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 20 – 28, 2024, as Period Poverty Awareness Week in Michigan.