HB 5486, An Act Concerning A Diaper Partnership Grant Program

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5486 An Act Concerning A Diaper Partnership Grant Program.  CHA supports the bill with a technical clarification.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

HB 5486 would require the Department of Social Services (DSS) to (1) establish a grant program funding the provision of diapers at no cost by a diaper partnership to eligible children, (2) prescribe reporting requirements for any diaper partnership that receives funds under the grant program.  HB 5486 also appropriates $1 million to support this effort.

CHA supports the bill because it recognizes diaper insecurity as a public health issue and builds on successful hospital/community partnerships already operating in the state.  Without access to an adequate supply of diapers, caregivers may keep infants in soiled diapers longer than recommended, increasing the risk of preventable health conditions such as diaper dermatitis and urinary tract infections.  Diaper insecurity is also associated with increased caregiver stress and maternal depression, both of which can negatively affect family well-being and early childhood development.

Diaper insecurity also has economic consequences for families.  Research shows that one in four caregivers misses work due to diaper shortages, losing an average of more than five workdays per month. Because most childcare providers require parents to supply diapers, families without an adequate supply may be unable to place their children in childcare, affecting employment and household stability. 

Healthcare providers regularly see the impacts of diaper insecurity in clinical settings. Addressing diaper need is a simple but effective preventive intervention that can help protect infant health, reduce avoidable medical visits, and improve family stability.

Connecticut hospitals are already working with community partners to address diaper insecurity.  In 2022, CHA partnered with The Diaper Bank of Connecticut to launch the Diaper Connections program, an initiative that integrates diaper need screening into healthcare settings and connects families with diaper resources through trusted points of care.  Hospitals distribute diapers through labor and delivery units, maternity and pediatric clinics, emergency departments, and primary care practices, helping ensure that families receive support when they are already engaged with the healthcare delivery system.

HB 5486 would strengthen and expand these efforts by providing dedicated state support for a coordinated diaper distribution program.  By leveraging existing hospital infrastructure and established community partnerships, this program can efficiently reach families who need assistance while improving health outcomes for infants and young children.

CHA also supports the bill’s reporting requirements, which will capture information about number of diapers distributed, unmet need, health conditions ameliorated, and healthcare costs potentially averted. 

However, CHA respectfully suggests the addition of the following to Sec. 1 (b), line 22:  

“Information submitted under this section shall be reported in the aggregate and in a manner consistent with state and federal privacy laws, including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).”

Hospitals are committed to protecting patient privacy.  Clarifying that reporting will be aggregated will ensure the program can evaluate outcomes while safeguarding against disclosure of individually identifiable health information.  

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.