Using Our Strengths: Establishing a Community–Academic Partnership to Tackle Menstrual Health Concerns in Philadelphia

Abstract

Background: Menstrual health is a secretive, stigmatized, and understudied topic in the United States. To begin addressing this stigma requires understanding menstrual communication patterns in the community; however, few studies have applied community-based participatory research to explore menstrual health stigma. Objectives: To describe the team and lessons learned building a community–academic partnership aimed to explore menstrual health stigma and communication in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Partnership: A menstrual health non-profit and a socialreproductive epidemiologist forged a community–academic partnership using a unique program that encourages partnerships between researchers and community organizations. Lessons Learned: Three lessons are described: 1) take time to build trust, 2) be patient and respectful navigating challenges and unforeseen difficulties, and 3) ensure equitable distribution of project resources and benefits. Conclusions: Our partnership accomplished impactful work by acknowledging the unique resources, skills, and networks that each partner possessed.