The members of the Rotary Club of the Upper Keys collected and donated 2,345 baby diapers to give to the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, after hearing a presentation about diaper need by Arianna Nesbitt, CEO of Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition. “Diaper need is not only a community problem, but a national problem. There are programs available to parents to help cover expenses for food and other necessities, but diapers are not typically included. When choosing between diapers or other necessities, sometimes parents leave diapers on too long or reuse them,” Ms. Nesbitt said. “Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition wishes to thank the Upper Keys Rotary and those who donated so generously.”

Diaper need is the struggle to provide babies with one of the most basic essentials – diapers—and is a largely unknown and chronically unmet crisis affecting families in the Florida Keys and nationwide. In 2010, Huggies® commissioned a study that found 1 in 3 American families have had to face the choice between diapers and other basic needs like food and utilities*.

In addition to the adverse health issues of leaving a diaper on a child for too long, a lack of diapers also affects a parent’s ability to place their child in day care. Without diapers – babies cannot participate in early childhood education or childcare; without childcare, parents cannot go to work. Parents who miss work due to diaper shortage make their already often precarious financial situation even worse.

Keys parents who are experiencing diaper need may contact the Healthy Start office to request a pack of free diapers and to determine if they are eligible for other services at 305-809-5654. Supplies of free diapers are limited.

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition helps families before, during and after pregnancy. For more information on any of our free programs for mothers, babies and their families; please contact 305-293-8424 or [email protected]. We believe every baby deserves a healthy start, as well as a safe future.

See nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/ for more information about Diaper Need and long term effects of inadequate access to diapers.