Local Wellness Event Aims to Empower Women on Reproductive Health

Jante Gibson-Bryant, founder and CEO of Awakenher Wellness Inc., is set to host a groundbreaking event focused on reproductive health and menstrual awareness. Named “Flow,” the event will take place on October 18, 2023, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Salisbury Civic Center, located at 315 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S., Salisbury. This free event aims to shatter the stigma surrounding menstrual health and empower individuals to engage in open conversations about reproductive issues.

The initiative stems from Gibson-Bryant’s recognition of the need for education and support in the community. She noted, “These topics are so taboo that many women and female youth suffer in silence.” With this event, she hopes to create a safe space for discussions that affect people of all ages, including topics such as menopause, PMS, and PMDD.

The day will feature a documentary screening titled “Me Period,” focusing on menstrual health in minority communities. Scheduled for 12:30 p.m., it will be followed by a time for reflection and a panel discussion starting at 2:15 p.m.. Gibson-Bryant will facilitate this discussion, which will include a diverse array of professionals, such as Dr. Jasmine Glover from N The Good Mentoring Inc. and Dr. Melissa Best from Novant Health.

The panel is designed to address both physical and mental health aspects of reproductive health. Gibson-Bryant emphasized the importance of these conversations, stating, “If you have not had these conversations, there’s some shame that has taken place because of the silence, and some mental health dysfunction has happened whether we realize it or not.”

Attendees will also have opportunities for networking, with representatives from organizations such as United Healthcare and Communities in Schools present. The event is family-friendly, and Gibson-Bryant encourages families to bring their children, as she highlighted that girls are starting their menstrual cycles at younger ages, sometimes as early as third or fourth grade.

In addition to the Flow event, Gibson-Bryant has previously initiated the Period Purse Project, launched in August 2021. This program aims to combat period insecurity among adolescent girls by providing menstrual management resources to local schools. To date, the project has donated over 2,000 Period Purses to schools in the Rowan-Salisbury, Cabarrus County, and Kannapolis City districts.

Gibson-Bryant pointed out the rising need for education surrounding menstrual health, stating that many families are unprepared for these conversations. “I’ve heard it many times where moms say ‘I’m not ready to have that conversation.’ Well, ready or not, here it comes,” she explained. She emphasized the importance of preparing young girls for this natural part of life to eliminate feelings of embarrassment or shame.

As an extension of her nonprofit, Gibson-Bryant envisions the Flow event becoming an annual gathering, similar to her other initiatives such as the Paint and Heal event or the prom dress giveaway. “It’s a discussion that will never cease. We always need to have this conversation,” she said.

As for her hopes for attendees, Gibson-Bryant stated, “I want them to be confident” in discussing menstrual health openly. She aims to equip not only women but also men with the knowledge to help remove the stigma surrounding these conversations.

While the event is free, Gibson-Bryant encourages attendees to consider making donations, either in-kind products or funds, to support ongoing efforts. Donations can be made on the day of the event or online at the Awakenher Wellness website.

The Flow event promises to be a pivotal moment in fostering understanding and conversation around reproductive health, contributing to a more informed and supportive community.