Diaper insecurity is a silent crisis in the United States. Young children typically use between 8-12 diapers a day. Those who remain in soiled diapers or clothing too long are exposed to potential health risks. Some parents have increased stress because of the cost of diapers needed to care for their child. In homes where parents are struggling there is an increased risk of child abuse.
Franciscan Health has a compassionate concern for these families and therefore, has developed a program to help improve the quality of care for women and infants. This program is called Prenatal Assistance Program (P.A.P.). The goal of the P.A.P. is to help expecting mothers and postpartum women/caregivers in our community receive early access to resources and care, (Doctors, assistance programs and insurance), as well as understand the clinical education they are receiving from their doctors so they feel they can advocate for themselves and their children. The program includes (4) Pre-Natal and (4) Post-Natal appointments. P.A.P. helps families by engaging the community to fulfill their needs, education, support, and encouragement. They also address Car Seat Safety and Safe Sleep Training. They can provide Cribettes and assist with transportation barriers for High-Risk moms who must travel outside of the Michigan City area to their OB appointments. P.A.P. offers a Diaper Pantry that is both for P.A.P. caregivers and open to the community for those that need monthly assistance with supplemental diapers. P.A.P. has what they refer to as a BABE store, which helps with Baby Supplies and clothing.
If you are interested in supporting the Prenatal Assistance Program, and positively impacting your community, diaper donations of all sizes are being collected in the lobby of Franciscan Health Fitness Center in Chesterton (FHFC). FHFC is located at 810 Michael Drive, Chesterton, IN 46304. The collection will run through the month of September. Please place diapers in the Cribette in our lobby.
If you would like to know more about the Franciscan Health Prenatal Assistance Program. Please contact: Jodi Perrine, Prenatal Care Coordinator, Franciscan Health, Michigan City, 301 W. Homer Street, Michigan City, IN 46360, (219) 214-4700 Jodi.Perrine@franciscanalliance.org
