Lawmakers spotlight diaper need crisis
Rep. Kyle Mullins September 30, 2025 | 10:06 AM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – State Reps. Carol Hill-Evans, Tina Davis, Kyle Mullins and Eddie Day Pashinski held a news conference at the state Capitol this week to unveil a House resolution designating Sept. 15–21, 2025, as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in two families struggles to provide enough diapers to keep their children clean, dry and healthy. Nearly one in four parents report missing work or school because they cannot afford the diapers required to place their child in childcare.
For older adults, the need is just as urgent. Adult incontinence products can cost up to $1,000 annually and are not covered by Medicare or many private insurance plans. The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank reports that adult diapers cost nearly three times more than infant diapers, placing enormous strain on seniors with low or fixed incomes.
“In my home district in the City of York, year after year I see volunteers, nonprofits, churches, and even businesses answer the call to donate and distribute diapers,” Hill-Evans said. “Their compassion inspires me and reminds me that Pennsylvanians are ready to help; they just need their government to stand with them. I’ve once again introduced legislation, House Bill 1417, to create a state grant program to help organizations that already distribute diapers and incontinence products, meaning we wouldn’t have to duplicate their work of collecting, fundraising, training volunteers, and getting supplies into the hands of families who need them.”
The lawmakers also kicked off the 11th annual Capitol Diaper Drive, which runs through Friday, Oct. 3. Bins for new, unopened infant diapers and adult incontinence products are available for public donations in the Main Rotunda, East Wing Rotunda and outside participating House offices. Monetary donations are also being accepted by local nonprofits.
“Far too many families in Pennsylvania are forced to make impossible choices between buying diapers, paying rent or putting food on the table,” Davis said. “Diaper need is not just a health issue — it’s an economic issue. Clean diapers and undergarments should be considered a basic necessity, and no child or adult should go without them. Our resolution aims to bring this important issue to light and help fight diaper need in Pennsylvania.”
"The greatest job in this life is being a parent," said Mullins, a father of two young children who represents portions of Lackawanna County. "But with that job and joy of caring for children comes the need for an endless supply of diapers. No parent or child should be forced to go without diapers or related hygiene products because of their financial situation."
“Diaper need is often a hidden crisis that affects many families in the U.S., forcing parents to make difficult choices between buying diapers and paying for food or rent,” Pashinski said. “Diaper Need Awareness Week is a vital opportunity to shine a light on this issue and rally our communities to support the health and dignity of every baby and caregiver.”
The resolution also highlights the work of nonprofit diaper banks and local service organizations that help meet this critical need across the commonwealth. Lawmakers said they hope increased awareness will inspire both community action and future policy discussions to support Pennsylvanians facing diaper insecurity.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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