By Sandra Woodward
Recently, Governor Terri McAuliffe signed Virginia’s Proclamation recognizing September 28 – October 4, 2015, as Diaper Awareness Week across the Commonwealth. 48% of families within the Commonwealth of Virginia reported that they had reused disposable diapers because they didn’t have funds to purchase diapers. They either didn’t change the diaper until after the baby had voided numerous times in the same diaper or they scooped out solid waste and reused the diaper. Many babies and toddlers leave daycare on Friday afternoon and return Monday morning wearing the same diaper. The cost of diapers is not covered by WIC or food stamps and only by Medicaid after the age of three if they have a medical need.
Access to a sufficient supply of diapers is essential for the health of infants and toddlers – that’s why in 2005; Dr. Diane Pappas started UVA Children’s Hospital Diaper Program. Diapers were given to families as an incentive to bring their babies and toddlers in for well check-ups and immunizations. Beginning in 2009, we partnered with Capital Diaper Bank out of Richmond to assist with providing diapers for our program. Since 2009, we have provided 111,400 diapers to families seen at UVA and in families in the community who are experiencing a financial hardship. In 2009 Capital Diaper Bank was purchasing diapers at $0.005 per individual diaper, while today that same diaper is costing $0.12/diaper. Capital Diaper Bank does not charge us for diapers; they ask us to help with fundraising to pay for diapers. Capital Diaper Bank is funded completely on donations either monetary or packages of diapers. We need monetary donations or diaper donations to continue the program in our community. Money and/or diapers given here in Charlottesville provide diapers for the families in our area. Capital Diaper Bank is a 501(c) so donations are tax deductible.
If you would like to make a donation or if you would like more information about Capital Diaper Bank or our diaper program here at UVA, please call Vertie Wade or Sandra Woodward at 434-924-0222 or Dr. Diane Pappas at 540-661-3025. You can mail your donation to Vertie Wade or Sandra Woodward; P.O. Box 800421, Charlottesville, Va 22908.
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