Friday, December 4, 2009

Why we need for you to drop your drawers...

Welcome, all!  This issue of diaper needs was first brought to my attention with the following article about a father essentially having to choose between food for his family and diapers for his disabled teenage daughter. 

www.lsgmi.org/downloads/Herald%20Article.pdf

His story broke my heart.  I was surprised to hear that adult diapers were not covered by Medicaid because they were not considered durable medical equipment; other disposable, non-lifesaving equipment is also not funded. Some families are able to budget for this, but during hard times, many others are not.  As the father said in the article, how can his daughter go to school without diapers if she is incontinent?  Why should a family have to make a difficult choice about purchasing necessities?  This problem is also true when it comes to diapers for infants and toddlers in low-income families, of course.


In the case of those who face involuntary incontinence - including the disabled, the elderly, and very young children - a diaper is as important as a toilet is for those who can use it.  We don't allow businesses to build a structure without including a working toilet, so why should we deprive underprivileged families of diapers if they cannot afford them?   We have wonderful charities that provide food, clothes, and even books to needy families, but what about diapers?

So, here's where you can help.  I will be hosting diaper-and-underwear drives on a regular basis.  I've included underwear because it's another regular part of necessary clothing that many charities don't provides.  Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be on the alert for the drives and to please contribute if you can.

No comments:

Post a Comment