52 million diapers, baby wipes to be distributed in Alameda County

(KRON) — Alameda County says it is launching a three-year, $5.8 million diaper bank program —one of the largest in the nation — that will give low-income families with young children monthly access to childcare essentials like diapers and baby wipes.

County officials say the program will tackle health risks tied to diaper need by distributing more than 15 million diapers and 37 million baby wipes.

The initiative is backed by SupplyBank.org, the Alameda County Social Services Agency, and First 5 Alameda County.

“Diaper need creates barriers to childcare and employment, and results in approximately 40,000 visits to California hospitals annually, 80 percent of which are to the emergency room,” says Alameda Co. officials in a news release on Thursday.

Hundreds of stacked diaper kits will be handed out monthly at more than 50 locations throughout the county, consisting of libraries, school districts, health clinics and family resource centers, officials said.

A launch event is planned for Monday, May 19 at the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus.