HR0564 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0564 LRB103 36498 MST 66604 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Diaper need is the lack of enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy and is a recognized public health issue that impacts the physical, mental, and economic well-being of U.S. children and families; and

WHEREAS, Diaper need can result from poverty, unexpected life hardships, natural disasters, and so much more; and

WHEREAS, One in two U.S. families reported experiencing diaper need; and

WHEREAS, Nearly one in four families experiencing diaper need reported missing work or school due to lack of access to clean diapers needed for childcare services; and

WHEREAS, Families reporting diaper need encompass a wide array of ages, racial groups, and income levels; of those in diaper need, 96 percent are under 45 years of age with the majority between 25 to 34 years of age; and

WHEREAS, Of those in need, two in five families said they stretch the use of diapers by keeping a child in the same diaper longer, which can increase a child's risk for skin irritation and other serious side effects; and

WHEREAS, Research shows that a lack of access to clean diapers leads to negative and long-lasting impacts on a child's physical and mental health; and

WHEREAS, The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) has more than 225 member diaper banks that have reported on average an 86% increase in the number of diapers distributed to families compared to the previous year, with spikes of up to 800% more in some cities; in 2022, the NDBN distributed more than 140 million diapers to families in need; no federal support programs for children cover diapers, which can cost approximately $80-$100 a month per child; and

WHEREAS, Diapers are a basic necessity for every baby and toddler; there are many people who do not have enough money to meet their basic needs, and diaper need can be a window into poverty; and

WHEREAS, A lack of access to clean diapers can also have long lasting impacts on caregiver's mental health, with over half of parents experiencing diaper need reported feeling judged for lacking diapers and 70 percent feeling stressed or anxious about their parental responsibilities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the week of September 23-29, 2024 as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the National Diaper Bank Network Illinois affiliates.