Governor Proclaims Period Poverty Awareness Week 2023

WHEREAS, period supplies are a basic necessity for millions of North Carolinians and the lack of these supplies, known as period poverty, can adversely affect their health and well-being; and

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

WHEREAS, national surveys also report that one in five people miss work or school due to lacking a sufficient amount of period supplies which exacerbates the vicious cycle of poverty by forcing them to withdraw from daily life, losing pay or missing educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the people of North Carolina recognize that period poverty is a public health issue, and addressing period poverty can lead to greater economic opportunities and improved health for so many in our state, thus ensuring all people have access to the basic necessities required to thrive and reach their full potential; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is proud to be home to trusted community-based organizations, including Period Power, a program of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, that recognize the importance of period products in ensuring health and providing economic stability and distribute period products through various channels;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 22 – 28, 2023, as “PERIOD POVERTY AWARENESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.