The Influence of Geographical Location on Access to Resources to Address Period Poverty in Northern Minnesota in Comparison to the Twin Cities.
This thesis examines the state of resources available to address period poverty in northern Minnesota in comparison to the twin cities area. Period poverty can be defined as the absence of adequate resources to assist an individual during their menstrual cycle, such as menstrual supplies, education, facilities, and more. Geographical location has great influence on the resources and facilities readily available to an individual at any given time, as well as shapes our understanding of what help can be expected in times of need.
Two major data collection phases are included in this research. Phase 1 is general data collection regarding number of stores, average cost of supplies/care, and average distance to services available to community members of each region. Phase 2 then looks to identify both the availability of events promoting educational resources and awareness to community members, as well as how this information is spread amongst community members. Ultimately, the question being asked is what gaps prevail in northern Minnesota communities, and what is being done to address them? What can be learned or duplicated from Twin Cities organizations?
Initial findings resulting from data analysis indicate that not only are there a greater number of stores in a relatively close proximity to an average resident of a twin cities neighborhood in comparison to northern Minnesota communities, but word of mouth communication regarding these events is also much more common. While events and resources are available to an extent to those who seek them in both locations, major factors such as transportation, stigma, and societal connections act as major roadblocks in receiving physical and referral resources.