The Public Health Case for Period Products

Period poverty affects millions of people, yet it remains one of the least discussed public health challenges. In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, Lauren sits down with Maanya Pandey, founder and president of Love For Red, to discuss how a nonprofit she started as a high school student has grown into a statewide organization working to improve menstrual product access across Iowa. Together they explore what period poverty actually means, why access is about more than affordability, and how stigma continues to shape conversations around menstruation. Maanya shares how Love For Red partners with schools and community organizations, the challenges of sustaining a grassroots nonprofit, and why advocacy has become a central part of the organization's mission. They also discuss ongoing efforts in the Iowa Legislature to improve menstrual product access in schools and why policy change is essential for creating lasting solutions. Whether you're interested in public health, nonprofit leadership, health policy, or simply learning more about an issue that affects millions of people every month, this conversation offers valuable insight into how local action can drive meaningful change. To learn more about Love For Red, request support, volunteer, or get involved, visit https://www.loveforred.org/ or follow @loveforredorg on social media. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-the-public-health-case-for-period-products/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected] You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks. #publichealth #womenshealth #menstrualhealth #menstrualproducts #nonprofit #healthpolicy #periodproducts #advocacy #endperiodpoverty #iowacity