HR0564LRB103 36498 MST 66604 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Diaper need is the lack of enough diapers to keep
3a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy and is a recognized
4public health issue that impacts the physical, mental, and
5economic well-being of U.S. children and families; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Diaper need can result from poverty, unexpected
7life hardships, natural disasters, and so much more; and
 
8    WHEREAS, One in two U.S. families reported experiencing
9diaper need; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Nearly one in four families experiencing diaper
11need reported missing work or school due to lack of access to
12clean diapers needed for childcare services; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Families reporting diaper need encompass a wide
14array of ages, racial groups, and income levels; of those in
15diaper need, 96 percent are under 45 years of age with the
16majority between 25 to 34 years of age; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Of those in need, two in five families said they
18stretch the use of diapers by keeping a child in the same
19diaper longer, which can increase a child's risk for skin
20irritation and other serious side effects; and
 

 

 

HR0564- 2 -LRB103 36498 MST 66604 r

1    WHEREAS, Research shows that a lack of access to clean
2diapers leads to negative and long-lasting impacts on a
3child's physical and mental health; and
 
4    WHEREAS, The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) has more
5than 225 member diaper banks that have reported on average an
686% increase in the number of diapers distributed to families
7compared to the previous year, with spikes of up to 800% more
8in some cities; in 2022, the NDBN distributed more than 140
9million diapers to families in need; no federal support
10programs for children cover diapers, which can cost
11approximately $80-$100 a month per child; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Diapers are a basic necessity for every baby and
13toddler; there are many people who do not have enough money to
14meet their basic needs, and diaper need can be a window into
15poverty; and
 
16    WHEREAS, A lack of access to clean diapers can also have
17long lasting impacts on caregiver's mental health, with over
18half of parents experiencing diaper need reported feeling
19judged for lacking diapers and 70 percent feeling stressed or
20anxious about their parental responsibilities; therefore, be
21it
 

 

 

HR0564- 3 -LRB103 36498 MST 66604 r

1    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
2HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
3we declare the week of September 23-29, 2024 as "Diaper Need
4Awareness Week" in the State of Illinois; and be it further
 
5    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
6presented to the National Diaper Bank Network Illinois
7affiliates.