Code Red
CODE RED
What started as a small group of women, coming together to fight against the period poverty in our community through the support of United Way of Southeast Iowa, has become something greater. We continue to show our support, even as they continue to grow into their own 501(c)3 by keeping this documentation alive of their success as one of our initiatives for the last few years.
Period Poverty is a phrase that commonly is used to describe the inability to afford or access menstrual supplies, educational material, and necessary sanitation, as well as the social and emotional ramifications associated with not having access to these things. You may have never heard about this, and that’s not a surprise. Most females are taught early on that their menstruation period is something to keep private and not to be discussed in public forums. We aim to change that! Menstrual periods are natural, and there should be no shame in discussing the issues associated with them.
Did you know that in the State of Iowa…?
There are 658,500 women and girls between the ages of 12 and 44. (Of those, 1 in 7 live below the Federal Poverty Line).
There are 139,900 women and girls between the ages of 12 and 44 who receive health care coverage through Medicaid, Medical Assistance, or other government-assistance plans.
There are 14,246 women who participate in the Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.
91% of female students in Iowa public schools, grades 7-12, attend Title 1 Eligible Schools (meaning at least 40% of students are from low-income families).
Did you know that in the United States…?
2 in 5 women struggles to purchase period products due to a lack of income.
1 in 4 teens have missed class due to lack of access to period supplies.
Sales tax on period supplies places an unequal burden on individuals who menstruate. 26 states tax period supplies. Iowa is one of them.
In 2023 we received a grant through The Pad Project to provide 26 individuals with menstrual products for an entire year! This was Code Red’s first big success and has led to a number of community connections, product drives, and continued support for our mission.
For more information on The Pad Project visit their website thepadproject.org.
