Wellness Through Accessible Menstrual Care
Building an Equitable Future, One Cycle At a Time
Wellness Through Accessible Menstrual Care
Building an Equitable Future, One Cycle At a Time
Vision
Mission
Mission
Mission
Mission
Mission
Goal
Mission
Goal
The Issue
One in eight women of childbearing age in the United States lives in poverty, with Black women disproportionately affected. In Maryland, Black women represent 14.1% of females living at or below the federal poverty line. Poverty directly impacts health behaviors and outcomes, and for many low-income women, accessing essential resources to manage their periods safely is a monthly challenge. This is known as period poverty—the lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, waste management, and education. The inability to care for oneself during menstruation increases the risk of poor physical and mental health, social isolation, and barriers to education and economic opportunities. Period poverty is a public health issue affecting 500 million people globally.
Our Story
The Hygiene Hookup was founded by Kai Inman in March 2020, as a mobile service, to aid those experiencing menstrual hygiene insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This project was an extension of menstrual advocacy Kai began in college by hosting period product-packing parties on campus and in the Baltimore community. Motivated by her personal experiences and the statistical evidence of widespread need, Kai sought to challenge the negative cycle of stigma and silence surrounding menstruation. Through The Hygiene Hookup's programming, Kai can address immediate needs and reshape societal perceptions of menstruation, making it a topic of open discussion and equitable access. Her dedication to this cause is fueled by a belief in the power of community to drive meaningful change and a commitment to improving the lived experiences of all those affected by menstrual inequities.
