Salinas Valley Health Diaper Drive Helps Ease Burden for Local Families

SALINAS, CA - Caring for mothers and babies does not end when families leave the hospital.

For the fifth consecutive year, Salinas Valley Health employees and community members came together during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month to support local families through the annual Diaper Drive. This year's effort collected more than 3,100 diapers that will be distributed through the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic, helping families throughout Monterey County access an essential resource often overlooked in discussions about health and wellness.

Diaper insecurity remains a significant challenge for many families. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in two U.S. families struggles to afford enough diapers to keep a baby clean, dry and healthy. The financial strain can contribute to stress and anxiety for parents already navigating the challenges of caring for a young child.

"Our annual Perinatal Department Diaper Drive coincides with Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, where we hope to alleviate the diaper-related anxiety some families experience," said Julie Vasher, DNP, RN, CNS, NE-BC, director of Women & Children's Services at Salinas Valley Health. "Many are faced with the difficult decision of purchasing diapers or food for their families. We are humbled by the generosity of our colleagues and thankful to visitors’ who also made donations.”

The diapers will be distributed through the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic, which has a regular schedule to medically underserved communities, providing free primary and preventive healthcare services along with social support resources that promote overall well-being.

The diaper drive was launched by Salinas Valley Health nurses in 2022 as a way to address a basic need that can have far-reaching effects on family health. In addition to helping protect infants from diaper rash, infections and other health concerns, access to diapers can reduce stress for parents and help families maintain work and childcare arrangements.

"Our community continues to demonstrate what compassion in action looks like," said Allen Radner, MD, President/CEO of Salinas Valley Health. "Every diaper donated represents support for a local family and reinforces our commitment to caring for the health of our community beyond the walls of our medical center. I am grateful to our Perinatal Team, employees and community members who continue to make this effort such a meaningful success."

Since its inception, the annual diaper drive has helped thousands of families throughout the Salinas Valley while raising awareness about the connection between basic necessities, maternal mental health and healthy beginnings for children.

Salinas Valley Health is recognized as a Baby-Friendly designated hospital, reflecting its commitment to supporting mothers, infants and families through every stage of the parenting journey.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843