Recognizing October 2026 as Menopause Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, to affirm the importance of ending the stigma and cultural silence surrounding menopause, and to acknowledge it as a natural biological process that significantly impacts the physical and emotional well-being of many individuals.

WHEREAS, Menopause is a normal physiological transition that marks the end of menstrual

cycles, is often preceded by perimenopause, and is experienced by many Philadelphians across

our neighborhoods and workforce; and

WHEREAS, Perimenopause and menopause can involve vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and

night sweats), sleep disruption, mood and cognitive changes, genitourinary symptoms, and

musculoskeletal discomfort, which may affect daily functioning, caregiving responsibilities, and

job performance; and

WHEREAS, Stigma and misinformation too often silence discussion, delay care, and impede

access to effective, evidence-based treatment, diminishing quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Barriers to care including limited access to culturally competent clinicians,

coverage gaps, and out-of-pocket costs fall disproportionately on communities of color,

LGBTQ+ residents, immigrants, people with disabilities, and low-income Philadelphians,

demanding equity-focused solutions; and

WHEREAS, Employers can support affected employees by fostering respectful, inclusive

workplaces and by considering practical steps such as temperature regulation and access to

water, breathable uniforms, flexible scheduling and breaks, private spaces, and leave policies that recognize health needs; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia health systems, community-based organizations, public health

agencies, and advocates continue to expand education, advocate for legislative protections, and services that help residents navigate perimenopause and menopause with dignity and accurate information; and

WHEREAS, Bill No. 250849, passed by the Philadelphia City Council, is the first measure at the local level to require reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing severe symptoms of menopause and prohibit discrimination based on menopause in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, Menopause Awareness Month provides a timely opportunity to elevate public

understanding, reduce stigma, highlight reliable resources, and promote policies and practices

that improve well-being; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes October 2026 as Menopause Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and affirms its commitment to promoting public education, workplace support, and equitable access to quality, culturally competent menopause care.

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