Community Stuff 9/24/15

Cause when something stinks it’s time for a change!

‘Stuff-A-Van” Diaper Drive and National Diaper Need Awareness Week Sept 28-October 2

Local Cape Ann organizations are working together to promote a Diaper Drive to highlight National Diaper Need Awareness Week during September 28 through Oct 2. Changing a diaper is as an essential parenting skill as feeding a baby but for 1 in 3 families not having enough diapers can impact the health and nutrition of their children, and their families.

Currently, it is estimated that 1 out of 3 American families raising babies will experience diaper need and the accompanying risks including heightened stress, food insecurity, and health risks. Daily compromises for nutrition and hygiene basics can wear on the whole family.  In a recent study published in Pediatrics, the authors found that mothers who did not have enough diapers for their babies were more likely to report depressive and anxious symptoms than other low-income mothers. This, in turn effects the child’s healthy development.

The Cape Ann community shares those risks. That is why the North Shore Postpartum Depression Task Force, working alongside of state legislators and local partners, is sponsoring an array of activities including a diaper drive to recognize National Diaper Need Awareness Week. Diapers may be dropped off during Sept 28-October 2 “Stuff-A-Van'” visits at Magnolia Farmers Market (9/28),  Ipswich Farmers Market (9/30), Cape Ann Farmers’ Market (10/1) and throughout the week at Ipswich’s Birth to Three Center and at Pathways for Children in Gloucester. The week will culminate at a public event hosted by The Open Door in Gloucester at 28 Emerson Avenue on October 2 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm.

Speakers will include Senator Bruce Tarr, presenting both a Legislative Resolution and a Gubernatorial Proclamation recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week. Lydia Ramirez, a Cape Ann mother will speak about her family’s personal experience with diaper need. Claire Hailson, Director of the Anchor of Hope Diaper Bank, will discuss what actions communities can take to address the challenges families experience when confronting an inadequate diaper supply.

Diaper need is an important issue, not just because it’s stressful hearing a crying baby. Families have to balance cash for diapers, utilities or other necessities and there just isn’t enough. To add to that stress, day care providers often require families to provide their child’s diapers for the day.  

That can easily cost a family between $80 and $120 a month. For a family living within the federal poverty guidelines, that can add up to about 6% of their salary.

Although a family may qualify for Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program (a.k.a WIC)  diapers are not included in this form of support.  

What can families do if they can’t afford diapers? Locally,  The Open Door, Pathways for Children, Action, Inc and Ipswich’s Birth to Three Family Center offer limited supplies. Diapers collected during the drive will be distributed by Ipswich Birth to Three and The Open Door. There is the National Diaper Bank Network, which includes more than 240 community based ‘diaper banks’. 

Providing diapers to families in need is one concern. Changing how diapers are taxed and how WIC packages exclude diapers is another. The bigger issues, really, are more affordable housing and wider support for families in our communities.  

“The most important thing from my perspective is that small things impact big things…We can’t address the bigger issues of poverty and child development if we don’t address the most basic issues … It shouldn’t be considered an extra for children to have clean, dry diapers,” said Joanne Goldblum, a co-author of the Pediatrics study and executive director of the New Haven-based National Diaper Bank Network. 

Answering a baby’s basic need for diapers should be fairly simple. The sad fact is this is a major stress for families. We need to change that.

Press Contact- 

Kitt Cox, Coordinator

North Shore Postpartum Depression Task Force

kittcox@gmail.com ,

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Hi Joey,

The times they are a-changing! Dr. Sarah Hammond (who joined our team last September) is now officially offering acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine options to our patients! Client response has been very positive, and we’d like to formally get the word out so folks know that these services are available. So if you have any space on GMG to help us get a shout out, it would be much appreciated 🙂

Stay awesome,

Ray Cahill

SeaPort Veterinary Hospital
Now Providing Veterinary Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Gloucester, MA – Dr. Ray Cahill and the SeaPort Veterinary Hospital are pleased to
announce the certification of Dr. Sarah Hammond in the science of veterinary
acupuncture. “With the addition of these treatment offerings, SeaPort Veterinary
Hospital is able to provide our patients added options for enhancing overall wellness and
treating a wide variety of disorders including orthopedic disease, kidney failure and
gastrointestinal problems”, says Dr. Cahill. Acupuncture has been practiced in both
animals and humans for thousands of years. These treatments help stimulate specific
points in the body resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect. “I am excited to combine
my knowledge of Western medicine with these Eastern modalities to enhance the
comfort and quality of life we provide to our patients”, explains Dr. Hammond.
About the SeaPort Veterinary Hospital
SeaPort Veterinary Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility that provides comprehensive
medical, surgical and dental health care for dogs, cats and exotic pets. Its mission is to
deliver high quality veterinary care with an emphasis on respect and compassion for
both patients and clients. The hospital, owned and operated by Dr. Ray Cahill, has
modern dental and surgical suites, an in-house laboratory, digital radiography,
ultrasound and an on-site pharmacy.

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