Diaper & Menstrual Hygiene Kit Giveaways at Libraries
2023 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Los Angeles County, Calif., CA
Best In Category
![AchAwards_text.png Image of AchAwards_text.png](https://www.naco.org/sites/default/files/styles/805x456/public/AchAwards_text_1.png?h=f34502f3&itok=nW09ST8_)
About the Program
Category: Libraries (Best in Category)
Year: 2023
In response to an April 2022 Motion from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, LA County Libraryâin partnership with the Chief Executive Office and First Supervisorial Districtâcreated a pilot program to distribute free diapers, baby wipes, and menstrual hygiene products at five high-need libraries in each of the Countyâs five Supervisorial Districts. The program was funded by Los Angeles-based nonprofit, Baby2Baby, who provided the supplies. The cost of diapers, wipes, and menstrual products can put a strain on families that have been disproportionally devastated by the pandemic and continually rising costs. In response to inflation and economic need, and existing strides made by the State of California, community colleges, and the City of Los Angeles, the new program provides free care items in libraries, a place where parents, caregivers, children, young people, and those experiencing homelessness frequently visit. By aligning the giveaways with its Storytime programs, the Library pilot creates opportunities for wraparound services that introduce residents to additional resources while meeting their hygiene needs.