Poise, the leading brand for light bladder leak protection, is taking on a critical gap in women’s healthcare with a new initiative focused on supporting perimenopausal and menopausal women living in America’s rural health deserts. At the heart of the campaign is a powerful new documentary and a forward-thinking scientific exploration that could change the way women access essential health insights—from the comfort of their own home.
In the United States, 80% of counties are considered health deserts, where access to gynecologic care is limited or nonexistent. Despite millions of women entering perimenopause or menopause each year, just 6% of OB-GYNs practice in rural areas. The result: countless women suffer in silence, struggling to understand symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and bladder leaks—a topic still clouded by stigma.
“Every woman deserves access to essential health information, no matter where she lives,” said Katie Moran, President of Adult and Feminine Care at Kimberly-Clark, parent company of Poise®. “Women in rural health deserts face significant barriers, and Poise is committed to helping them have greater access to information about perimenopause and menopause.”
To help bridge the knowledge gap, Poise is collaborating with scientists on a potentially game-changing innovation: the ability to extract dry urine samples from pad materials to test for indicators of perimenopause, menopause, and even conditions like UTIs and diabetes. This research, while still in early phases, could one day provide an entirely new way for women to get health insights—without needing to visit a doctor.
To bring the real-life impact of these challenges to the forefront, Poise traveled across the country to speak directly with women navigating menopause in healthcare-scarce communities. These powerful personal stories are the heartbeat of Drops of Hope, a new short documentary directed by Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Sara Nesson. The film gives voice to women whose experiences often go unheard and underscores the urgent need for access, information, and innovation. WAtch the film below:
“Many women don’t even realize they’re in perimenopause,” said Moran. “And with nearly 25 million women experiencing bladder leaks in the U.S., it’s time we normalize the conversation—and give women the tools they need to understand their health.”
The “Drops of Hope” film is available now at Poise.com/dropsofhope, where visitors can also learn more about the initiative and how Poise is driving change for women in every zip code.
ALSO READ:
UScellular shows love to its own customers
