Pad the Pandemic is a 501(c)3 non profit organization established in 2021. Its mission is to eradicate period poverty and unnecessary hysterectomies one uterus at a time.
- 16.9 million menstruating people with a uterus in the USA live in poverty. Two-thirds of which are low-income and food-insecure individuals who cannot afford menstrual products.
- There’s a strong, documented correlation between period poverty, depression and other mental health issues.
- Low-income menstruating people with a uterus are disproportionately affected by period poverty.
Approximately 70% of humans with a uterus will develop uterine fibroids during child-bearing age. 80% of this population are disproportionately Black! Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus that can tremendously impact one’s livelihood. Some of the most common symptoms include menorrhagia (heavy and/or prolonged menstrual cycle), pelvic and back pain, anemia, chronic fatigue, brain fog, painful intercourse, inability to urinate or completely void, mental health disorders, reproductive issues, and much more.
Oftentimes, after receiving the diagnosis of uterine fibroids, people do not know where to turn. Being left with few options and little medical guidance, fear, uncertainty, and anxiety may arise. Because of this, people tend to resort to suffering in silence for years on end. Breaking the silent suffering through education, resources, support, and easy access to clean and chemical-free sanitary products promotes overall well-being.