SAUGUS — The Health Department is hosting a diaper drive this month and residents are encouraged to donate.
In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the department is sponsoring the drive to help families in need. Diapers can be dropped off at Town Hall, the Senior Center, the Library, and the YMCA during regular business hours.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Prevention services and supports developed by this collaboration can help to protect children and strengthen families.”
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, “women with diaper need also reported more difficulty with stress management, depression and coping with trauma – which can negatively affect a child’s health and development.”
More stress and depression can in turn increase the chances of abuse, the department said.
The department is only accepting new and unopened diaper packages. Diapers in all sizes are needed, though the department notes that sizes 5 and 6 are a greater need. Baby wipes will also be accepted.
The drive, which kicked off on April 3, will conclude on April 28.
“This is something that the nurses thought that we could do to help,” said Public Health Nurse Teresa Riley-Singh.
“We’re already getting a lot of quality comments on it,” added Public Health Director John Fralick.
Board of Health Chairman Bill Heffernan praised the department for taking the initiative to launch the drive.
“That’s terrific,” he said.
Saugus is not the only community participating in the effort, with similar drives taking place in Swampscott and Marblehead.
