Excellus BCBS supports Oswego County Early Childhood Initiative, commits funding to establish diaper bank

To fight the increasing trend of diaper need among lower-income families in Oswego County, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently provided funding in support of the establishment of a diaper bank at the Oswego County Early Childhood Alliance (OCECA).

For families facing financial hardships, affording an adequate supply of diapers can be challenging, leading to health risks for children and heightened stress and anxiety for caregivers. The establishment of the OCECA Diaper Bank will provide access to a reliable source for diapers and education on diaper hygiene for these families, reducing health risks for infants and children, while helping to alleviate mental and financial strain on caregivers. 

As a result, caregivers may redirect their resources toward other essential needs, such as nutritious food, utilities, and entertainment, fostering a healthier and more stable environment for families. 

“Our goal is to significantly enhance the wellbeing and security of families-in-need in Oswego County by providing access to a supplemental supply of diapers,” says OCECA Coordinator Sidney Carter. “We’re grateful for the contributions of organizations such as Excellus BCBS in making this initiative a reality for Oswego County.”

As the OCECA embarks upon the establishment of the diaper bank, the organization has created, through its Oswego County Help Me Grow initiative, a leadership team and a workgroup comprised of nearly 50 representatives of local community-based organizations that support young families in the area. These two groups convene every other month, fostering engagement among early childhood advocates to identify the strengths and gaps in the community's early childhood system of care.

"We're committed to engaging in collaboration with our community partners in the design and implementation of the OCECA Diaper Bank. Their valued input and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the positive impact of this vital resource for our community." says Carter.

When caregivers in Oswego County are experiencing a diaper need, they can call 2-1-1 to be transferred to Oswego County Help Me Grow, where a referral to the diaper bank will be made. Families can also call the diaper bank directly at (315) 343-2344, ext. 113, to complete a self-referral.

“We’re proud to have this opportunity to assist the OCECA in providing this much-needed service to families in Oswego County,” says Mark Muthumbi, Excellus BCBS regional president, Central New York region. “Like the OCECA, we are committed to helping families in our communities have access to the care and resources they need, so that they can live healthier, more secure lives.”

According to a nationally representative study commissioned in 2023 by the National Diaper Bank Network (NDPN), diaper need has increased sharply post-COVID. Forty-seven percent (almost half) of families reported diaper need in 2023. In the first diaper need investigation in 2010 and in several subsequent studies, approximately 33% or 1/3 of families had reported diaper need.

And, says the NDBN, the ripple effects of diaper need go far beyond basic pediatric health and hygiene. Without clean diapers:

• Babies are exposed to potential health risks and toxic stress
• Mothers are at risk for increased maternal depression
• Parents are unable to access child care, which require a daily supply of diapers
• Parents miss work or school

To support the diaper bank, the Oswego County Early Childhood Alliance has secured additional funding through the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. In-kind services will include staffing and coordination of the diaper bank.

The OCECA, part of Integrated Community Planning of Oswego County, Inc., is currently funded through an Oswego County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. The OCECA's Oswego County Help Me Grow program is funded through the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.