Anna Marie Mindicino has a full plate. In addition to being an MPH student, she is founder and CEO of the non-profit Do Good. Period. The organization, based in Sharon, Pennsylvania, strives to uplift and promote dignity by providing menstrual products to those in need. Mindicino states, “It’s not a sexy topic, but there’s a genuine need.”
Do Good.Period. is two years old and has earned 501(c)3 status.
“Whether it’s safe houses, domestic abuse facilities, welfare recipients, transgender clients, or Women, Infants and Children in PA, the need to empower women who face period poverty is tremendous,” she adds.
For millions of people worldwide, period poverty, or the inability to access menstrual products like tampons or pads, is a persistent and debilitating problem. But unfortunately, it’s not well understood. “Very often, the problem is the difference between feeding a family, or being comfortable,” states Mindicino.
To date, Do Good. Period. has collected and distributed more than 500,000 products. Mindicino’s efforts to help, as well as the organization’s success, caught the attention of faculty member Eric Jefferis, Ph.D. According to Jefferis, “Anna Marie has been extremely successful in her leadership of Do Good. Period. and others should know about it.”
In addition to leading the non-profit and working toward her MPH, Mindicino will begin her practicum at Thiel College in Greenville, PA. Currently she teaches K-12 music at her former school. Mindicino says, “I will be looking into the doctorate program after I complete my MPH.” She adds, “There is no research on period poverty. The need for concrete surveys and research is critical. This brought me to Kent. I was looking for something online and the College of Public Health was a perfect fit. Kent has been fantastic and the online convenience is wonderful.”
For more information on Do Good. Period., or to see how you can help, visit www.dogoodperiod.com.