ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — In a society where conversations about periods, reproductive health, and women’s bodies have often been silenced or overlooked, Scrub Life Cares has spent the last five years working to change that narrative, one conversation, one community, and one life at a time.

This Saturday, the organization will host its highly anticipated 5th Annual Grow With the Flo Women & Girls Health Expo, bringing together women, girls, families, health professionals, community organizations, and advocates for a full day focused on education, empowerment, wellness, connection, and access.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026 , from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Cana Moravian Church Grounds in Swetes Village , and Tanya Ambrose says this year’s expo will continue building on the impact, growth, and community support the initiative has received over the past five years.

What began as a grassroots initiative focused on addressing period poverty and menstrual stigma has evolved into one of Antigua & Barbuda’s leading community health movements; one centered on whole-person wellness, health equity, dignity, and breaking generational silence surrounding women’s health.

“But Grow With the Flo has always been about more than periods,” said Ambrose, Founder and Executive Director of Scrub Life Cares. “Yes, we talk about menstrual health because menstrual health matters. But this event is also about confidence, body literacy, mental wellness, maternal health, education, community support, and ensuring women and girls have the tools and information they need to thrive throughout every stage of life.”

Over the last five years, Grow With the Flo has become much more than a community event. It has grown into a platform for advocacy, education, and meaningful public health conversations in Antigua & Barbuda — tackling issues many people once felt uncomfortable discussing publicly.

Through school visits, workshops, outreach campaigns, and community engagement initiatives, Scrub Life Cares has worked to educate young people and families about puberty, menstrual health, reproductive health, hygiene, consent, mental wellness, and self-confidence while promoting safe spaces where individuals can ask questions, learn about their bodies, and access support without shame.

Across Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean, many women and girls continue to face barriers related to menstrual and reproductive health, including limited access to menstrual products, inadequate reproductive health education, stigma, and silence surrounding natural bodily changes. Ambrose says these realities can impact confidence, school attendance, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

“Menstrual health affects so many aspects of life, yet it’s still not treated with the urgency or openness it deserves,” Ambrose added. “When women and girls lack access to information, products, or supportive environments, the effects go far beyond periods. That’s why this work matters.”

This year’s expo reflects the organization’s growing commitment to holistic and inclusive wellness. While menstrual health remains a core focus, attendees can also expect expanded conversations and activities centered on maternal and child health, nutrition, mental wellness, reproductive and sexual health education, neurodiversity and disability inclusion, and overall community care.

Designed to be family-centered and welcoming to all ages, the expo will feature educational sessions, wellness booths, health resources, interactive activities, community organizations, giveaways, menstrual and hygiene products, raffles, youth-friendly learning spaces, and experiences intended to encourage families and community members to learn, connect, and engage together.

Attendees can also look forward to several engaging features throughout the day, including the return of the Nutrition Station and the launch of the new Open Closet initiative — a community-centered space designed to provide free clothing and support in a way that promotes dignity, care, and accessibility.

The milestone fifth-year celebration has also attracted strong community and corporate support, highlighting the growing recognition of menstrual and women’s health as essential public health issues in Antigua & Barbuda.

Ambrose says the event’s continued expansion has been made possible through the support of sponsors, partners, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and community organizations who believe in the mission of creating healthier, more informed, and more empowered communities.

“This event is proof of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose,” Ambrose said. “The support we’ve received over the years shows that people are ready for these conversations and understand the importance of investing in women, girls, and families.”

According to Ambrose, one of the most impactful aspects of the event over the years has been witnessing the transformation that happens when women and girls feel empowered to speak openly about their health and experiences.

“We’ve had young girls tell us they no longer feel ashamed of their periods. Parents have shared that our sessions helped them start important conversations at home. We’ve seen women feel more confident advocating for their health,” Ambrose said. “That’s the real impact. This work is about dignity, empowerment, education, and creating healthier communities.”

The expo also forms part of Scrub Life Cares’ broader Menstrual Health Awareness Month campaign and ongoing “Period-Friendly Antigua & Barbuda” initiative, which advocates for more supportive schools, workplaces, healthcare spaces, and public environments where menstrual health is recognized as both a public health and human dignity issue.

As anticipation builds for Saturday’s milestone event, Scrub Life Cares is encouraging members of the public to attend, bring their families, and experience a day rooted in education, wellness, compassion, empowerment, and community connection.

“This is more than an expo,” Ambrose said. “It’s about creating a healthier, more informed, and more supportive Antigua & Barbuda — one where women, girls, and families feel empowered to care for their bodies, prioritize their well-being, and access the education, resources, and support they deserve. At Scrub Life Cares, we believe in supporting the whole person, because health is about so much more than one issue — it’s about dignity, confidence, wellness, and community.”

The 5th Annual Grow With the Flo Women & Girls Health Expo is free and open to the public.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: 5th Annual Grow With the Flo Women & Girls Health Expo
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Cana Moravian Church Grounds, Swetes Village, Antigua
Admission: Free and open to the public

Scrub Life Cares also extends sincere thanks to its sponsors, partners, volunteers, donors, healthcare professionals, and supporters whose continued contributions have helped make the Grow With the Flo Women & Girls Health Expo possible over the past five years.

For media inquiries, partnerships, or additional information, contact:

Scrub Life Cares
email:info@scrublifecares.org
Instagram/Facebook: @scrublifecares

About Scrub Life Cares

Scrub Life Cares is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing menstrual equity, reproductive and sexual health education, maternal and child health, and community wellness through education, advocacy, research, and access initiatives in Antigua & Barbuda and beyond. The organization works to create informed, empowered, and healthier communities while addressing stigma, inequities, and barriers impacting women, girls, youth, and families.