WHEREAS, menstrual health is an essential part of overall health for Virginians, as many women menstruate for an average of 40 years, from menarche to menopause; and

WHEREAS, The World Bank estimates that 500 million people worldwide lack access to menstrual products and adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, a challenge that also affects individuals in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, stigma surrounding menstruation continues to adversely affect the dignity, education, health, and economic participation of women, girls, and individuals who menstruate; and

WHEREAS, menstrual products are essential health necessities for residents of Virginia who menstruate and are critical to full participation in daily life, including school, work, and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, cost barriers and inequitable access to menstrual products contribute to period poverty, disproportionately impacting low-income individuals, students, and unhoused populations across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, promoting menstrual equity in Virginia advances health equity, educational opportunity, and economic stability for individuals who menstruate across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize and raise awareness of menstrual health in the Commonwealth of Virginia and to reduce stigma through education, advocacy, and public support; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026, as MENSTRUAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.