Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 23, 2024
WHEREAS, diaper need, the condition of not being able to afford a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep babies and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy, can impact the health and well-being of children and their families; and,
WHEREAS, national surveys and research studies report that nearly half of all families struggle with diaper need and families may delay changing a diaper to extend the available supply; and,
WHEREAS, a daily or weekly supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for babies and toddlers to participate in child care programs and quality early-education programs that enable children to thrive and parents to work; and,
WHEREAS, many parents struggling with diaper need report missing an average of five days of work each month due to an insufficient supply of diapers; and,
WHEREAS, without enough diapers, babies and toddlers risk infections and health problems that may require medical attention resulting in medical costs, and parents may be prevented from accessing child care needed to go to work or school, thereby destabilizing the family’s economic prospects and well-being; and,
WHEREAS, the people of Michigan recognize that diaper need is a public health issue, and addressing diaper need can lead to economic opportunity for the state’s families and communities and improved health for children, thus ensuring all children and families have access to the basic necessities required to thrive and reach their full potential; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan is proud to be home to trusted community-based organizations including Battle Creek Diaper Initiative, Metropolitan Detroit Diaper Bank, Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County, Nestlings Diaper Bank, St. Luke’s Diaper Bank (c/o St. Luke’s Episcopal Church), Care Collective of Southwest Michigan, and The Diaper Alliance that recognize the importance of diapers in ensuring health and providing economic stability for families and thus distribute diapers to families through various channels; and,
WHEREAS, through their important work of addressing diaper need, diaper banks play a critical role in supporting families, improving infant health and well-being, and advancing our local and state economic growth;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 23-29, 2024 as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Michigan and encourage the citizens of Michigan to donate generously to diaper banks, diaper drives, and support those organizations that collect and distribute diapers to families struggling with diaper need, so that all of Michigan’s children and families can thrive and reach their full potential.