MONROE COUNTY RECOGNIZES SEPT. 14-20 AS NATIONAL DIAPER NEED AWARENESS WEEK

MONROE COUNTY, FL – The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed Sept. 14-20, 2026, as National Diaper Need Awareness Week, recognizing the importance of access to diapers and other basic necessities for babies, young children, and families.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network’s 2026 Diaper Check, 40 percent of U.S. households with children under age 4 in diapers experience diaper insecurity, including 62 percent of low-income households. In Monroe County, an estimated one in four children under age 3 experiences diaper insecurity.

Families experiencing diaper insecurity also reported sacrificing necessities such as food and housing payments to afford diapers.

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition works with Miami Diaper Bank, a member of the National Diaper Bank Network, to help provide diapers and other support to local families. The coalition and its community partners help address a critical need for vulnerable children and families throughout the Florida Keys.

“National Diaper Need Awareness Week is an opportunity to bring attention to a basic need that can have a major impact on the health and financial stability of local families,” said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln. “We are grateful for the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, its partners, volunteers, and donors who continue to support families throughout our community.”

Residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, health and social service providers, and public agencies are encouraged to participate by donating diapers, hosting diaper drives, volunteering, supporting community organizations, and helping connect families with available resources.

To learn more about Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, visit https://www.keyshealthystart.org/.