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).
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-diaper-drive-to-collect-100000-diapers-to-help-families-in-need-300131978.html
SOURCE Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal
Nurses (AWHONN)