For the fourth consecutive year, Franciscan Health is working to ease a silent crisis that impacts many parents in Northwest Indiana and the South Suburbs. The annual Diaper Drive has become a tradition during Diaper Insecurity Month in October, with the goal of making sure that families have one less worry prior to the holidays.
The 2019 drive resulted in 30,000 diapers being delivered to families in need. During this pandemic, drive organizers are asking donors to provide monetary donations and reduce the risk of purchasing and delivering physical diapers. Monetary gifts allow the purchase of twice as many diapers due to discounted hospital purchase rates.
“As in previous years, the Diaper Drive sheds light on the silent crisis of diaper need within our communities and the incidents of child abuse and neglect it may lead to. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, diaper shortages around the country, created by disruptions in supply chains and bulk buying, have made it more difficult for families to maintain a steady supply of diapers for their children. This year, your support is needed more than ever,” said Danielle Crowder, community health improvement manager for Franciscan Health’s Northern Division.
The community can contribute to these efforts by donating to the Prenatal Assistance Program at www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org/DiaperDrive or by calling the prenatal assistance number at (877) 773-6285. All donations go to Franciscan Health’s Prenatal Assistance Program for distribution.
Diaper Facts:
- Nearly one in three families struggle to afford diapers.
- Diapers can cost $70 to $80 a month. It costs about $1,000 a year to diaper a child.
- No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars for the purchase of diapers.
- Infants require up to 12 diapers a day, and toddlers require about 8 diapers a day.
- Cloth diapers are not accepted at the majority of child care centers.
- Most childcare facilities, even free and subsidized, require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers.
