Nearly Half of U.S. Families Cannot Afford Diapers; Experts Tell Congress that Providing Diapers Will Save Tax Dollars

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly half of U.S. families struggle to afford enough diapers for their babies (Source: The NDBN Diaper Check 2026), and research demonstrates that changing that will improve public health and save Medicaid dollars, experts will tell members of Congress in a briefing on Tuesday, September 15.

The briefing takes place during National Diaper Need Awareness Week (September 14-20), when the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) and its member diaper banks across the country will host events raising awareness about diaper insecurity and invite people to take action to help address this widespread public health issue.

The Congressional briefing, "The Return on Diapers: Public Savings and Family Outcomes Under Medicaid," will debut a microsimulation model and analysis, conducted by the Urban Institute in partnership with NDBN, examining the potential health, family, and economic gains of providing diapers through Medicaid. 

Confirmed speakers are:

• U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-8)
• U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7)
• Lacey Gero, chief of government relations, NDBN
• Dr. Megan Smith, chief of innovation and impact, NDBN
• Kassandra Martinchek, senior research associate, Tax and Income Supports Division, Urban Institute
• Kristin Blagg, principal research associate, Work, Education, and Labor Division, Urban Institute
• Matthew Buettgens, senior fellow, Health Policy Division, Urban Institute

To join the briefing at 2 p.m. EDT on Tuesday (September 15) register here. It is free and open to the public.

The public may also join the virtual kick off of National Diaper Need Awareness Week on Monday, September 14, at 2 p.m. EDT. The opening session will feature remarks by members of Congress and is free and open to the public. Register here. 

"This year during National Diaper Need Awareness Week, we want to not only raise awareness of how widespread diaper insecurity is – but also show the tremendous benefits communities reap when we strengthen the social fabric by providing diapers," said NDBN CEO Joanne Samuel Goldblum. "A growing body of research proves that mothers and babies are healthier when they have enough diapers, that families prosper economically because they can access child care so that adults can work and attend school, and that families have more money to obtain healthy food."

"Having spent my life in government service, I know that public investment to provide diapers to struggling families is one of the wisest policies out there," said NDBN Board Chair Toni Harp, a former Connecticut state legislator and former New Haven mayor. "I am so proud of NDBN's work to develop a clear case that wiping out diaper need keeps babies healthy while saving taxpayers money."

Around the country, governors, legislators and mayors are issuing proclamations marking National Diaper Need Awareness week in their jurisdictions.

Many other activities will mark the week including opportunities to support community-based basic needs banks or NDBN directly.

Various events include expert panels, diaper drives, volunteer luncheons, and more. To find a NDBN member near you, visit nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/member-directory/.

In addition, NDBN will honor advocates around the country with DiaperOn! Awards, uplifting people who go above and beyond to end diaper insecurity in their communities. Recipients will be highlighted on NDBN's social channels.  

About National Diaper Bank Network 

The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) leads a nationwide movement dedicated to strengthening the social fabric that unites communities by ensuring individuals, children, and families have the basic material necessities they require to thrive and reach their full potential. 2026 marks the nonprofit's 15th anniversary year. Launched in 2011 with the support of founding sponsor Huggies®, NDBN creates awareness, advances public policy, leads original research, and builds community to end diaper insecurity and period product insecurity in the U.S. Its active membership includes more than 300 basic needs banks serving local communities throughout the U.S. More information on NDBN is available at nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org and on Instagram (@DiaperNetwork), X (@DiaperNetwork), Facebook (facebook.com/NationalDiaperBankNetwork), and Bluesky  (@diapernetwork.bsky.social).

Media Contact:
National Diaper Bank Network
Briana Haas, [email protected], 203.309.1364

SOURCE National Diaper Bank Network