National Diaper Drive to Collect 100,000 Diapers to Help Families in Need

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In the United States, there is a growing problem associated with diaper need, the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers for a baby to remain clean, dry and healthy. A recent study shows one in three families struggle with this issue. This means 5.3 million children (or about half the U.S. population ages 0-3 years) do not have the diapers they need and are therefore at risk for infection, rash and other health issues.  During the month of September, when the greatest number of babies are born in the U.S., the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is partnering with Kimberly-Clark and the National Diaper Bank Network on the Healthy Mom&Baby Wipe Out Diaper Need campaign to collect diapers for families in need.

On average, infants and toddlers require between eight to twelve diapers a day, at a cost of $70-80 per month.  With caregivers changing 3,000-5,000 diapers before potty training begins, it can become an insurmountable expense. As a result, parents may re-diaper less frequently leaving baby in a soiled diaper exposing them to increased health risks. At times, parents are left with no option but to dry out soiled diapers for reuse. 

The economic impact is another issue. Most daycare providers and laundromats do not accept cloth diapers.  Without a sufficient supply of disposable diapers, children are not able to enter child care and parents may not be able to return to work or school.

"Unfortunately, safety net programs that provide assistance to low-income families (like SNAP and WIC) do not cover the purchase of diapers, despite this growing need," said Joanne Goldblum, Executive Director of the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN).  "More than 250 local NDBN-member diaper banks nationwide collect and distribute diapers to families in need. The National Diaper Bank Network distributes bulk donations of diapers, and supports the development and expansion of diaper banks in communities throughout the country."  

The Healthy Mom&Baby Wipe Out Diaper Need campaign goal is to donate 100,000 diapers to families in need.  Donations can be made online at www.diaperdrive.org. Every $1 donated will buy six diapers at wholesale to support these families.  The campaign culminates with "Diaper Need Awareness Week," September 28 to October 4, to raise awareness about this important infant and child health issue.

"Diaper need is a growing concern for the health of millions of babies nationwide, and we're proud that nurses across the country are joining forces to collect and distribute diapers for their youngest, most vulnerable patients," said AWHONN CEO, Lynn Erdman, MN, RN, FAAN.  "Every diaper donated helps Wipe Out Diaper Need."

About AWHONN
Since 1969, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) has been the foremost authority  promoting the health of women and newborns and strengthening the nursing profession through the delivery of superior advocacy, research, education, and other professional and clinical resources.  AWHONN represents the interests of 350,000 registered nurses working in women's health, obstetric, and neonatal nursing across the United States.  Learn more about AWHONN at www.awhonn.org.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No.1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 143-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the National Diaper Bank Network
The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper need in America, by leading a national movement to safeguard one of the most basic needs of all babies and their families…access to clean, dry diapers. Founded in 2011 with the support of Huggies^®, the network raises national awareness of diaper need (#DiaperNeed) and supports the development and expansion of diaper banks in communities throughout the country. Its active membership includes more than 250 diaper banks, diaper closets and food banks located in 44 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. More information on NDBN and diaper need is available at www.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org, and on Twitter (@DiaperNetwork) and Facebook (facebook.com/NationalDiaperBankNetwork).

SOURCE Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)

Related Links

http://www.Health4Mom.org