Reading Hospital recently teamed up with The Junior League of Reading and Berks Teens to host a free event focused on menstrual equity and period positivity. The event was called “Let’s Talk, Period.”
The event created a judgment-free space at Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences for approximately 125 youth and their caregivers to converse with medical professionals about puberty.
The panelists included Olubunmi Ojikutu, MD, chair of the Department of Pediatrics; Laila Muallem, MD, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist; and Karen Wang, MD, the chief medical officer at Berks Community Health Center.
Dr. Ojikutu said multiple community organizations recognized the need to host a forum where youth and their trusted adults could talk about puberty changes in a relaxed setting.
The team distributed free swag bags containing menstrual products, personal care items, informational materials, and giveaways after the event. Items were donated by Godiva Chocolatier, Redner’s Markets, Comfort Keepers, Kimberton Whole Foods, Lisa’s Salon and Spa, and Giant.
‘We want it to feel like we are just hanging out together and talking,” said Dr. Ojikutu. “We want everyone to be comfortable asking questions and leaving feeling more empowered – and with period products and period care. Attendee feedback has been very positive.”
For more information about Let’s Talk, Period, please click here.