The Naugatuck Valley Health District Gives Back Program is highlighting the The Diaper Bank of Connecticut this month.

The Naugatuck Valley Health District Gives Back Program is highlighting the The Diaper Bank of Connecticut during this month.

NVHD officials state that one out of three families struggle to provide clean diapers for their baby. Caregivers who can’t afford enough diapers sometimes resort to leaving their infants and toddlers in soiled diapers, which can lead to diaper rash, urinary tract infections and other health problems.

Access to diapers not only improves babies’ overall health and well-being; it supports caregivers’ mental health and can lessen the risk of child abuse by reducing stressors that interfere with the developing parent-child relationship.

Locally, here in the Valley, the TEAM, Inc. Diaper Bank program provides diapers and wipes for third trimester pregnant mothers and children birth to age 4.

The program's goals also include raising awareness of diaper need for young children and providing information and referral services to ensure needed support and linkages. The TEAM Diaper Bank is currently accepting applications. For more information, visit https://teaminc.org/diaper-bank/

NVHD is asking residents to support the Diaper Bank by donating diapers of all sizes, pull-ups and wipes to one of the designated drop-off sites — the NVHD office, Derby Public Library, Derby Senior Center, Seymour Town Hall and Outback Steakhouse in Shelton.

To make a monetary donation or for more information, visit https://www.thediaperbank.org/donate/

Brian Gioiele has been working with weekly newspapers, including stints as editor in Weston, Monroe and now Shelton, since 1993. He has covered all aspects of local and state news and sports, winning awards for sports and news writing. He has spent the rest of his time with his four children, watching Boston sports and soccer.