Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

08/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2026 11:38

Shapiro Administration Delivers More Than $410,000 for Free Period Products to NEPA Schools, Part of $3 Million Investment to All Pennsylvania Schools in 2026-27 Budget

August 13, 2026 - Scranton, PA

Shapiro Administration Delivers More Than $410,000 for Free Period Products to NEPA Schools, Part of $3 Million Investment to All Pennsylvania Schools in 2026-27 Budget

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen visited West Scranton High School to highlight the Shapiro Administration's ongoing commitment to provide free period products in schools across the Commonwealth, emphasizing that no girl should have to choose between her health and her education.

National studies show that one in four girls struggle to afford period products, and a staggering 23% miss class entirely because they lack access to menstrual hygiene essentials.

With a newly secured $3 million in the recently signed 2026-27 state budget, Governor Shapiro has now delivered a total of $9 million over three consecutive budgets for this first-of-its-kind initiative, which removes a significant barrier to learning, ensuring that girls can focus on their schoolwork rather than worrying about unmet basic needs.

Speakers in Order:
Dr. Erin Keating - Superintendent, Scranton School District
Dr. Debra Bogen - Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Health
Carol Rothenberger - Chief Nurse, Scranton School District
Mayor Paige Cognetti - City of Scranton
Representative Briget Kosierowski
Representative Kyle Donahue






Commonwealth of Pennsylvania published this content on August 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 13, 2026 at 17:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]