The Lynn Postpartum Depression Task Force, a branch of the North Shore Postpartum Depression Task Force, is excited to be celebrating National Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 26th – October 2nd, for the first year. “Our task force created and is distributing a flyer this week with information on diaper need, where you can access free diapers in the Lynn community, and how community members can help this effort,” says Joy Richmond-Smith, Co-Facilitator and Lynn Site Director for Children’s Friend and Family Services (Children’s Friend) .
A subgroup of the task force is working on this effort which includes members from Children’s Friend, LEO, Aspire Developmental Services, and Lynn Community Health Center. “Our goal is to register with the National Diaper Bank Network and build a diaper bank network in Lynn. To start this effort we are reaching out to local businesses and community agencies to solicit diaper donations and raise awareness about the issue of diaper need,” says Richmond-Smith. Children’s Friend at 112 Market Street in Lynn , LEO at 156 Broad Street in Lynn and Aspire Developmental Services at 275 Lafayette Street in Salem will all be diaper drop off locations where anyone can drop off diapers. The diapers do not need to be in an unopened box. If there are some diapers that someone has left over that they would like to donate these are welcome.
Part of the effort is to connect parents with sustainable resources to meet their diaper needs. The flyer has some more information about resources for disposable and cloth diapers that are more cost effective. It also highlight some important facts about children and diapers including:
- Without diapers, babies cannot participate in early childhood education. Without childcare, parents cannot go to work.
- Children without a steady stream of diapers are exposed to health risks
- 5.3 million American babies are living in poor and low-income families
- 1 in 3 American families reports experiencing diaper need
- Disposable diapers cost $70-$80 per month per baby
- Diapers cannot be obtained with food stamps
If you have any questions about the Lynn PPD Task Force, the Diaper Bank Initiative or would like a copy of the flyer, please email Joy Richmond-Smith at [email protected].