October 8th is Period Action Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness to period poverty that persists worldwide and taking action. And awareness about period poverty around the globe is critical, advocates say, as the fight for menstrual equity continues. In the U.S., one in four people who need menstrual products today struggle to afford them, according to advocacy nonprofit Alliance for Period Supplies. And more than 20 states still tax period products, often as "nonessential" items or luxury goods. Activists and numerous nonprofits are working to change those sobering realities. "Period products are actually a medical need. They're a necessity and everyone should have access to them, just like basic food and shelter. It's a matter of human rights," Damaris Pereda, national programs director of global nonprofit Period. , told USA TODAY. Read the full story at the link in our bio.