Breaking Barriers: Ohio Libraries Lead the Way in Menstrual Health Access

Posted by Miles Dietz-Castel on July 1st, 2025 Posted in: Blog

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In an innovative initiative to combat period poverty and promote menstrual health education, 15 libraries across Ohio joined forces with NNLM Region 6 to launch a transformative program. With support from the State Library of Ohio and Aunt Flow, these libraries began offering free menstrual products and educational resources to their communities, creating safe, inclusive spaces for conversations around menstrual and menopausal health.

Launching the Initiative
The project began with a virtual information session where the selected libraries met with public health and library professionals who had successfully implemented similar programs. Speakers included Chris May, Director of the Mansfield-Richland County Public Library; Erin Hughes, Director of the Wood-Ridge Memorial Library in New Jersey; and Dr. Julie Chaya, Richland Public Health Commissioner. These experts shared insights on launching menstrual health initiatives, addressing community concerns, and building partnerships with local organizations.

From Dispensers to Dialogue
With Additional federal funding from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) all 15 libraries had installed Aunt Flow dispensers and began distributing free period products to patrons and staff by April 2025. This simple yet powerful step helped reduce stigma and ensured equitable access to essential hygiene supplies.

To complement the dispensers, libraries distributed educational materials from KnowYourFlow.info. These resources were made available in restrooms, giveaway kits, program handouts, and book displays. Each library also hosted at least one program focused on menstrual or menopausal health, tailored to the needs of their specific community. Topics ranged from packing period kits and hosting product drives to pelvic floor health and hormonal changes post-menopause.

Community Partnerships and Tailored Programming
Libraries were encouraged to develop partnerships with local health professionals, including county health departments, physical therapists, pediatricians, and physicians. This flexibility allowed each library to design programs that resonated with their patrons.

The results were inspiring. Programs like “Women’s Health Series: Hormonal Health,” “Understanding the Menstrual Cycle,” and “Pelvic Floor and So Much More” drew diverse audiences. At Ashland Public Library, for example, attendees ranged from pre-teens to seniors, with a new mother even bringing her baby. The presenting physician addressed the unique needs of each participant, fostering a welcoming and informative environment.

Measuring Success
Each library documented their efforts, sharing details about their programs, partnerships, patron feedback, and photos. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One library shared “This experience has truly been meaningful for our library. Being able to provide free access to period products and health information aligns with our mission to support the well-being of all patrons. It’s been a dream come true to offer this much-needed resource to our community!”, while another wrote “I’m so grateful to be a part of this cohort! The support was amazing; this was a valuable experience that addressed such an important community need.”

State Library of Ohio Consultant Katy Hite conducted site visits to 11 of the 15 participating libraries. She observed installed dispensers and attended several programs, witnessing firsthand the impact of the initiative. These visits provided valuable insights into the program’s effectiveness and community reception.

A Lasting Impact
This initiative did more than provide free menstrual products—it sparked meaningful conversations, built community partnerships, and empowered individuals of all ages to learn about and discuss menstrual and menopausal health without shame. By removing barriers and stigma, Ohio libraries became champions of health equity and community well-being.

As libraries continue to evolve as community hubs, programs like Know Your Flow demonstrate their power to lead social change. With thoughtful planning and strong partnerships, these 15 libraries have set a powerful example for others to follow.

If you want to join the movement, NNLM can help:

1. 1. Visit knowyourflow.info. The infographics are free to download and share. Learn the story of how KnowYourFlow.info was created.
   2. Search medlineplus.gov. a reliable, easy to understand, both in English and Spanish, website sponsored by the National Library of Medicine, the largest biomedical library in the world.
   3. Start a book discussion. The NNLM Reading Club has made it easy to host a book club with suggested Menstruation and Menopause books and resources including free discussion guides and promotion materials.

*This article was written with the assistance of AI/Microsoft Copilot