Johnstown, PA – The Shapiro Administration has made eliminating period poverty in Pennsylvania a priority. Two years ago, Governor Josh Shapiro secured the first-ever investment in the 2024-25 budget to provide free period products for all Pennsylvania schools. Between that initial historic investment and funding in the 2025-26 budget, the Shapiro Administration has invested $6 million so far to help ensure that girls can focus on their schoolwork and remain in the classroom.
Today, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen visited Johnstown High School to highlight how this ongoing historic investment is helping students across Pennsylvania.
“Period poverty is a critical public health concern that directly impacts a student’s ability to succeed,” said Dr. Bogen. “Providing free period products in Pennsylvania schools ensures that more than 650,000 girls aren’t forced to choose between their health and their education. This important program removes the barriers to hygiene equity by providing these needed products, ensuring every girl has the support she needs to stay in school, stay healthy, and focus on her future.”
Free period product funding is being distributed to more than 750 Pennsylvania school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools throughout the Commonwealth.
Studies show that one in four students nationally have struggled to afford period products, and a staggering 23% have missed class entirely because they didn't have the hygiene products they need.
This funding enables schools to provide students with free access to period products, in line with the Shapiro Administration's efforts to improve health equity and help all Pennsylvanians live healthier lives.
This initiative has become a vital source of funding for schools across the Commonwealth, taking one more burden off students so they can remain focused on learning.
“This grant initiative is about more than products for your young ladies—it is about dignity. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide for our students and, as such, remove obstacles so that every student can focus on learning,” said Dr. Rebecca Castiglione, Greater Johnstown School District Student Services Coordinator. “Students can engage confidently in their day, and our community can move closer to true equity.”
For one week each month, a quarter of Pennsylvania's students are on the sidelines due to limited access to basic health resources. When a student misses school, it isn't just one day. It's a ripple effect that impacts test scores, graduation rates, and eventually the future of our Commonwealth.
This $6 million investment is a down payment for the future of Pennsylvania.
All qualifying school entities receive funding proportional to the total number of students enrolled at a rate of $1.79 per student. Schools can opt out of receiving grant funding.
Schools should consider privacy, responsiveness, access, and education when developing and implementing strategies to make period products available to their students. Guidance and suggestions are available in the Menstrual Equity for Pennsylvania Students – Guidance for School Entities.
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