Impact of research continues to reach throughout the community

Sarah LeBlanc’s name might not be known to most of the Fort Wayne Community Schools students she helps, but the impact of her work is immeasurable.

LeBlanc, an associate professor of interpersonal communications, is being honored with a Purdue University Fort Wayne Featured Faculty Award in part for her work addressing and combating period poverty.

“My research is all about the larger community,” LeBlanc said. “I study menstrual communication and being in period poverty to demonstrate as well as educate how widespread period poverty is, especially in today’s economic situations.”

Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, and waste management, which affects an estimated 500 million people worldwide. LeBlanc found her mission while researching, writing articles, speaking to groups, and gathering materials to be distributed through local organizations and schools.

LeBlanc started a partnership to supply products at Fort Wayne Community Schools to help its students, work that has grown to include the goal of reaching out to all Allen County school districts. Others from PFW including Michelle Kelsey, chair of the Department of Communication, Janet Badia, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and various colleagues and students have all supported her work, LeBlanc said, with space, resources, and encouragement.

Along with decreasing the stigma and silence surrounding the topic for young women, LeBlanc works to provide school nurses with products and also lobbies government entities to eliminate taxes on products such as tampons which are classified as medical devices. She backs her efforts with her research, putting the facts in front of those involved in the discussions. She has also encouraged local organizations to participate with donations and other support.

LeBlanc is often invited back to speak to community groups or distribute products. Upcoming collaborations include events with FWCS and the Allen County Public Library.

“My five-year goal is to work toward building a more permanent engagement team of community members and PFW students and faculty so that no young person is left dealing with the stigma of menstruation or suffering from period poverty,” LeBlanc said.

Students from her classes have also helped with designing and participating in campaigns to raise awareness.

“I’m preparing them for life,” LeBlanc said. “I study family communication. It’s more than just being able to communicate in a classroom. It’s being able to not only communicate out in the real world where they have a job, but being able to interact with different populations, whether at home or in the real world. That is what I am preparing them for.”