California to provide free diapers to newborns leaving hospitals in 1st-in-the-nation program
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- California will launch a first-in-the-nation program providing hundreds of free diapers to families with newborns before hospital discharge, starting at 65 to 75 hospitals serving primarily low-income patients.
- The initiative, funded with $7.4 million from last year's budget and $12.5 million proposed for the next fiscal year, aims to ease financial burdens by supplying 400 diapers per family, covering about a month's use for newborns.
- The state partnered with nonprofit Baby2Baby to produce diapers at 80% less than retail cost under the "Golden State Start" label, expanding access to essential baby supplies.
- This program follows similar diaper assistance initiatives in Tennessee and Delaware but is unique in its hospital-based distribution and statewide scope.
- California health officials emphasize that providing free diapers supports family stability and newborn health by reducing stress and preventing issues caused by diaper shortages.
