National Diaper Bank Network and CareSource Partner to Address Diaper Need in the U.S.

The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing diapers and other essential necessities to families in need, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with CareSource, a nationally recognized managed care organization. This collaboration aims to strengthen efforts to combat diaper need across the United States, ensuring that more families have access to this critical resource. With nearly half of U.S. families struggling to afford enough diapers for their children, this partnership represents a significant step toward addressing a pressing issue that impacts child health, family well-being, and economic mobility.

The Scope of Diaper Need in the U.S.

Diaper need is a widespread but often overlooked issue in the United States. According to NDBN's 2023 Diaper Check report, nearly half of American families face challenges in affording an adequate supply of diapers for their children. Diapers are a basic necessity for infants and toddlers, yet they are not covered by government assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). This gap leaves many low-income families struggling to provide clean, dry diapers for their children, leading to significant consequences:

• Child Health: Infants and toddlers without access to clean diapers are at higher risk of diaper rash, urinary tract infections, and other health issues.

• Family Stress: Parents who cannot afford diapers often experience heightened stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact mental health and family dynamics.

• Economic Mobility: Diaper need can force parents to miss work or school, as many childcare facilities require families to provide diapers for their children.

The partnership between NDBN and CareSource seeks to address these challenges by increasing access to diapers and raising awareness about the importance of this basic necessity.

A $180,000 Commitment to Ending Diaper Need

CareSource’s $180,000 sponsorship will support NDBN’s extensive network of over 240 community-based diaper banks, which serve more than 10,000 agency partners nationwide. This funding will enable NDBN to expand its reach and provide more diapers to families in need. Key initiatives supported by the partnership include:

1. Grant Opportunities for Diaper Banks:
   The collaboration will create new grant opportunities for NDBN-member diaper banks, enabling them to increase their capacity and serve more families. These grants will help diaper banks purchase diapers, distribute them to local communities, and raise awareness about diaper need.

2. Sponsorship of NDBN’s Annual Conference:
   CareSource will sponsor NDBN’s annual U.S. Conference on Poverty and Basic Needs, scheduled for October 23-25, 2024, in Chicago. This event brings together advocates, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders to discuss solutions for addressing poverty and meeting basic needs, including diaper access.

3. Integrated Marketing and Community Engagement:
   The partnership will include a comprehensive marketing and outreach campaign to raise awareness about diaper need and the resources available to families. This effort will engage communities across the country and encourage individuals and organizations to support NDBN’s mission.

Aligning Missions for Whole-Person Health

The partnership between NDBN and CareSource is rooted in a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of families. CareSource, a managed care organization with a focus on whole-person health, recognizes that access to basic necessities like diapers is essential for child development and family stability.

“Diapers are a basic medical need for children, yet millions go without due to economic constraints,” says Joanne Goldblum, CEO of the National Diaper Bank Network. “We’re thrilled to partner with CareSource, whose commitment to whole-person health aligns so well with our mission of helping families access this essential product.”

Dr. David Williams, CareSource’s executive vice president and chief medical officer, emphasizes the importance of addressing diaper need as part of a broader strategy to support families. “Too many families face impossible choices between paying for diapers and other crucial needs,” he says. “By joining forces with the National Diaper Bank Network to increase the availability of diapers for low-income parents, we can directly support the health and well-being of children, as well as reduce the stress families experience when they are unable to provide diapers for their babies.”

The Impact of Diaper Banks

NDBN’s network of diaper banks plays a vital role in addressing diaper need across the country. These community-based organizations collect, store, and distribute diapers to families through partnerships with local agencies, such as food banks, shelters, and childcare centers. By providing diapers at no cost, diaper banks help alleviate the financial burden on low-income families and ensure that children have access to this basic necessity.

The partnership with CareSource will enhance the capacity of these diaper banks, enabling them to serve more families and expand their outreach efforts. This collaboration also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing complex social issues like diaper need.

Looking Ahead: A Future Without Diaper Need

The partnership between NDBN and CareSource represents a significant step toward ending diaper need in the United States. By combining resources, expertise, and a shared commitment to improving family well-being, these organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless families.

As the partnership launches, integrated marketing and community engagement efforts will roll out in the coming weeks, raising awareness about diaper need and encouraging individuals and organizations to get involved. Through grant opportunities, conference sponsorships, and collaborative initiatives, NDBN and CareSource are working to create a future where no family has to choose between buying diapers and meeting other essential needs.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Diaper need is a critical issue that affects millions of families across the United States. The partnership between the National Diaper Bank Network and CareSource demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing this challenge and improving the lives of children and families. By supporting diaper banks, raising awareness, and advocating for systemic change, this partnership is paving the way for a future where every child has access to clean, dry diapers.

As NDBN and CareSource join forces, they are sending a powerful message: diapers are not just a basic necessity—they are a fundamental component of child health, family stability, and economic mobility. Together, these organizations are working to ensure that no family has to face the stress and hardship of diaper need, creating a brighter future for all.