With 1 in 5 girls missing school due to lack of menstrual products1, period poverty is an important, yet often ignored, public health crisis. “Period poverty” refers to the problem many women are facing  of being unable to afford products such as pads, tampons, or liners to manage menstrual bleeding. In place of sanitary products, many girls are forced to use items like rags, paper towels, toilet paper, or cardboard. Others ration sanitary products by using them for extended amounts of time. Period poverty encompasses not only this lack of access to products, but also inadequate access to toilets, hand washing receptacles, and hygienic waste management. Don't think this is happening only in third world countries, this is happening in our own communities. Period Poverty is occurring all around us. There is a lack of awareness because it's a "taboo topic", it's uncomfortable to talk about. As you know, Jess and Cody started the It's Hertime Podcast to help change the conversation about periods and women's health. On today's episode they are delighted to invite another crusader, Kristin Andrus, to help educate and share what we as a community can do to help to end period poverty in our local communities. Meet Kristin:Kristin Andrus is a community champion who advocates for women, children, and refugees within and beyond Utah. She is also Chief Culture Officer to her husband and six children. Kristin serves as a board member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area and for UnDEfeated, an organization serving underprivileged youth and single mothers in Uganda. Nonprofits count on Kristin for her social media and marketing savvy as well as her supernatural ability to get stuff done.With over 100,000 combined followers on 91,000 Instagram andfollowers, 12,000 YouTube, subscribers, and live cooking segments on Utah’s Studio 5, Kristin has built a platform for awareness and impact. In November 2020, Kristin launched #SisterGoods, an Instagram campaign that raised $30,000 in its first week to supply menstrual care products to schools, shelters, and foster care facilities throughout Utah. #SisterGoods has since spread to more than 60 communities across the U.S."Menstrual products are a necessity, not a luxury" - Kristin AndrusConnect with Kristin @kristinandrus or at kristinandus.comDid you learn something new today? Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and share this episode with all the girls you love. We would appreciate it if you'd also rate us and leave a comment on iTunes.Join Mixhers email list and be the first to have access to new products and be the girl in the know! Be sure to join our movement by following us on Instagram @mixhersorCody Sanders @soulhappyandhealthyJess Toolson @jesstoolsonTo submit questions or if you think you'd be a perfect guest to have on our podcast reach out to us on speakpipe and record your questions for us!You can also contact mccall@mixhers.com or DM McCall @mixhers on IG.Today's show is sponsored by Mixhers