Diaper insecurity is a silent crisis in the United States. Young children typically use between 8-12 diapers per day and those who remain in soiled diapers or clothing too long are exposed to potential health risks. Some parents have increased stress because of the cost of diapers needed to care for their child and sadly, in homes where parents are struggling, there is an increased risk of child abuse.

Franciscan Health has a compassionate concern for these families and, therefore, has developed a program to help improve the quality of care for women and infants. This program is called Prenatal Assistance Program (P.A.P.). The goal of P.A.P. is to help expecting mothers and postpartum women/caregivers in our community receive early access to resources and care (doctors, assistance programs and insurance), as well as to help understand the clinical education they are receiving from their doctors so they feel they can advocate for themselves and their children. The program includes 4 prenatal and 4 postnatal appointments. P.A.P.  helps families by engaging the community to fulfill their needs, education, support, and encouragement. They also address Car Seat Safety and Safe Sleep Training. They can provide Cribettes and assist with transportation barriers for high-risk moms who must travel outside of the Michigan City area to their obstetrician appointments. P.A.P. offers a Diaper Pantry that is both for P.A.P. caregivers and open to the community for those who need monthly assistance with supplemental diapers. P.A.P. has what they refer to as a BABE Store which helps with baby supplies and clothing.

If you are interested in supporting the Prenatal Assistance Program and positively impacting your community, diaper donations of all sizes are being collected in the Cribette in the Chesterton Front Lobby or in the Cribette near the Front Desk in Chicago Heights. The collection will run through the month of September. 

For more information about the Franciscan Health Prenatal Assistance Program, please contact;

Jodi Perrine, Prenatal Care Coordinator

Franciscan Health Michigan City

301 W. Homer Street

Michigan City, IN 46360

219-214-4700

Jodi.Perrine@FranciscanAlliance.org

As always, your generous donations are so very appreciated!