Free Diapers for New Arrivals

SALINAS, CA -  For Jackie Chavez and her husband, bringing their newborn home from Salinas Valley Health came with an unexpected gift: 400 free diapers.

The Salinas Valley Health Mother/Baby team recently distributed its first batch of diapers through Golden State Start, a statewide initiative providing diapers to families with newborns. Beginning Oct. 1, every family whose baby is born at Salinas Valley Health will receive 400 diapers to take home.

For new parents, the practical support can make a difference during a time when everyday expenses quickly add up.

“We hope this gives parents a little greater peace of mind as they begin life at home with their new baby,” said Julie Vasher, DNP, RN, CNS, NE-BC, Director of Women & Children’s Services at Salinas Valley Health. “It is a simple but meaningful way for us to support healthy beginnings, and we are grateful that every baby born at Salinas Valley Health can benefit from this program.”

The diapers are provided through Golden State Start, which is administered by Baby2Baby on behalf of the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. The program provides diapers at no cost to families, with no income limits, applications or paperwork required. In its first year.

Chavez, who was among the first parents to receive the diapers, said the extra support was especially appreciated as her family prepared to leave the hospital.

“Salinas Valley Health is a wonderful place to give birth,” Chavez said. “We are so grateful for the care and expertise of everyone on the unit. Going home with the diapers is a huge bonus, and the gift is very much appreciated. We feel lucky to be among the first families to benefit from this wonderful new resource.”

Salinas Valley Health is a 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care and a 2026 Women’s Choice Award recipient for Best Hospital. Maternity services are also accredited as Baby-Friendly by Baby-Friendly USA, recognizing practices that support newborn nutrition and mother/infant bonding.

The Medical Center provides comprehensive care for both routine and high-risk pregnancies and newborns, including Monterey County’s first and only 24/7 Obstetric Emergency Department. In partnership with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Salinas Valley Health also operates an 11-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, caring for critically ill and medically fragile newborns, including premature and very-low-birth-weight babies. Learn more at SalinasValleyHealth.com/maternity

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843