Meigs Health Today: Why diapers matter

Why diapers matter…

Did you know, one in three Ohio families struggle to provide clean diapers for their baby? Disposable diapers cost $70 to $80 per month per baby. Of those, three out of five are more likely to miss work or school. That’s because parents can’t put their babies in daycare without providing an adequate amount of diapers. Without childcare, parents cannot go to work.

We see parents come through our WIC office struggling to provide diapers for their children on a daily basis. This is because the Ohio Works First (OWF) benefits for a family of 1 parent & 2 children in Ohio is $475.00. The only federal assistance program that can be used for diapers is Ohio Works First (OWF), but OWF has to cover many other expenses, including rent, clothing, transportation, and other basic needs. Little, if any money is available to purchase enough diapers to keep a baby clean and dry. With an average of about $80.00 in diaper cost, a family is left with $395.00 to cover all those other vitally important expenses.

We, at the Meigs County Health Department WIC Program, are dedicated to making sure every baby gets the diapers they need to thrive. Together, we can make a big impact. We are asking you to help us raise the money needed to offer diapers to babies in need.

I would like to thank you, in advance, to all who will donate the money needed to provide diapers to our babies in need! We are grateful to have such wonderful supporters within our small community, and to be able to ensure that every newborn, baby, and toddler, has a clean, dry diaper. For more information on how you or your organization can help, please call the WIC Office at 740-992-0392.