As an organization dedicated to providing holistic sexual and reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York (PPCWNY) has been thrilled to collaborate with Diaper Bank of Central New York since 2020. From the beginning of this incredible partnership, 92,380 diapers have been distributed to PPCWNY patients with 20,680 given out in 2022 alone.
We know the cost of diapers can be a significant financial burden for families, especially those facing economic hardship. By partnering with the Diaper Bank, PPCWNY’s Syracuse Health Center has been able to support our patients and their families during a particularly economically challenging time.
Our diaper distribution program is a health center-wide collaboration, run by PPCWNY Peer Health Advocates and interns in our Programs Department. It is implemented with care by clinic staff, with front desk staff frequently jumping in to provide additional support. Diapers are offered to all patients who are expecting, have a child who wears diapers in their household, or frequently have children in diapers visit their household. In addition, other baby and post-natal products such as formula, breast pumps, and wipes are offered whenever available thanks to the Diaper Bank. Our collaboration with the Diaper Bank also presents an opportunity for warm referrals within our community’s network of care, connecting patients to other community resources that can assist them in their parenting journey.
The feedback we’ve received from participants in the diaper distribution program has been overwhelmingly positive. Not only has it helped ease financial burdens, it has also resulted in improved health outcomes and reduced stress levels. When we surveyed our diaper recipients, we discovered:
- 76% reported feeling like a better parent
- 73% reported reduced stress
- 60-70% reported having more money to put toward rent and other essentials
- 50-60% reported babies crying less, getting better sleep, and having fewer rashes
At Planned Parenthood, our mission is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and to provide them with the care and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. We are proud to provide a full range of sexual and reproductive health care services in our community, including pregnancy and parenting resources.
The Syracuse Health Center’s collaboration with the Diaper Bank is a testament to the power of partnership and the incredible impact that can be achieved when multiple organizations work together to reach a common goal. We are incredibly proud of what we and the Diaper Bank accomplished in 2022, and we will continue our work to meaningfully serve and empower our community.