Mass NOW Awarded $947,485 Grant for Menstrual Equity Initiative

 Mass NOW is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded $947,485 over five years from the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Fund for our groundbreaking program, Bleeding for Change: Advancing Menstrual Health Equity. This initiative is a critical part of our efforts to address systemic barriers to health and disrupt institutional and structural racism in Massachusetts, in partnership with the Department of Public Health, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), and Health Resources in Action.

Through Bleeding for Change, Mass NOW is addressing structural barriers, gender inequality, resource inequities, and poverty that contribute to menstrual health inequities and mental health challenges for youth and adult menstruators in Fall River and New Bedford.

“With this transformative $947,485 investment, Mass NOW and our partners are laying the foundation for ending period poverty statewide,” said Sasha Goodfriend Executive Director of Mass NOW. “Together, we are working to dismantle systemic inequities and build a future where every menstruator in Massachusetts has access to the resources, dignity, and care they deserve. This funding allows us to deepen our impact, amplifying community-led efforts to promote menstrual and mental health equity across the Commonwealth.”

In collaboration with the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition, the Coalition Against Period Poverty, and over 30 community agencies, this initiative strengthens organizing efforts to drive policy, systems, and environmental changes that combat period poverty. Together, we aim to improve the menstrual and mental health outcomes of our communities in meaningful and lasting ways.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue advancing menstrual equity and ensuring all menstruators in Massachusetts can thrive.