HB 5032, An Act Adjusting The State Budget For The Biennium Ending June 30, 2027 (Diaper Connections)

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5032, An Act Adjusting The State Budget For The Biennium Ending June 30, 2027.  CHA respectfully urges the Appropriations Committee to include a $1 million line item in the state budget to sustain and strengthen The Diaper Bank of Connecticut’s (DBCT) Diaper Connections program.

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.

Diaper insecurity is a significant public health issue that contributes to preventable pediatric conditions, including diaper dermatitis and urinary tract infections, and is closely linked to increased maternal stress and postpartum depression.  Providing diapers is an evidence-based preventive health intervention and an essential component of medically appropriate care for infants and toddlers.

Diaper insecurity also creates serious economic instability.  One in four caregivers misses work due to diaper shortages, losing an average of 5.1 workdays per month¹, equating to more than $8,000 in lost annual income for a family making the Connecticut minimum wage.  Addressing diaper insecurity reduces wage loss, strengthens family stability, and mitigates reliance on public assistance.  

Research demonstrates that diaper provision improves health outcomes and generates measurable return on investment.  Connecticut modeling found diaper rash declined by 33% and infants experienced 77% fewer days of diaper rash when families received clean diapers.  National findings show that every dollar invested in diaper support yields significant healthcare and economic savings.

Launched in 2022 through a partnership among DBCT, CHA, and hospitals statewide, Diaper Connections integrates diaper need screening into healthcare settings and leverages community partnerships to distribute diapers through labor and delivery units, maternity and pediatric clinics, emergency departments, and primary care sites.  More than 3,000 infants and toddlers have been served to date, with most Connecticut hospitals engaged in implementation.

Beyond distribution, Diaper Connections represents an innovative, coordinated maternal and child health infrastructure built through strong hospital-community collaboration.  Sustaining this model also helps ensure diaper banks and community organizations can continue directing limited charitable supply to families beyond those eligible for public coverage, including Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households

This budget line item is the most immediate and effective way to protect and build upon the statewide infrastructure Connecticut has already established.  A $1 million investment will sustain hospital participation, ensure consistent diaper distribution, maintain care coordination pathways that connect families to wraparound services, and support data collection to measure healthcare cost avoidance.

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

¹https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NDBN-Diaper-Check-2023_Executive-Summary-FINAL.pdf