Deputy Director of BAHP, Giovanna Komst, attended a National Diaper Bank Network event at the Urban Institute in Washington, DC focusing on The Impacts of Diaper Insecurity and Period Product Insecurity.
The Urban Institute and the National Diaper Bank Network discussed their new partnership and shed light on recent developments in policies and research related to diaper and period product insecurity. The event featured a panel of experts who spoke into the significance of addressing basic material needs and their effects on health, financial stability, and the broader implications for social and economic initiatives.
The event featured the following speakers:
- Rosa DeLauro, US House of Representatives, 3rd District of Connecticut
- Tammy Duckworth, US Senator, Illinois
- Myra Jones-Taylor, Senior Vice President for Impact and External Affairs, Urban Institute
- Andrea Luquetta, Economic Justice Policy and Program Consultant, Pa’lante Collaborative Strategies
- Kelley Massengale, Director of Research and Statistics, National Diaper Bank Network
- David Radcliffe, Director of State and Local Policy, Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy, The New School
- Rebecca N. Robinson, Medical Office Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy, TennCare
- Heather Sandstrom, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute
- Megan V. Smith, Chief of Innovation and Impact, National Diaper Bank Network
Through this event, BAHP highlighted the critical issue of diaper and period product insecurity by amplifying the voices of key industry stakeholders. A study conducted by the National Diaper Bank Network, which analyzed data from 6,221 families receiving diapers between July 2021 and April 2022, revealed significant benefits. Families with access to diapers reported increased ability to work, attend school, lower healthcare expenses, and healthier children overall.
The study further demonstrated that every $1 spent on providing diapers to families saves the healthcare system over $2 in costs associated with treating diaper-related illnesses. Addressing diaper insecurity leads to higher school and childcare attendance rates among children, fewer health complications, and improved opportunities for adults to pursue work or education.
BAHP recognizes the profound impact of diaper and period product insecurity and remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing these critical needs.
