ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University received a grant from Missouri Foundation Health, amounting to $538,431, which will go toward research to improve the health, education and well-being of children and their families. 

Spearheaded by Hisako Matsuo and Jessica Barreca, SLU’s research team announced that it will begin its research project to discover innovative ways for those in Missouri to have access to diapers. 

SLU also will work with other organizations, like the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank and Kids Win Missouri, to achieve their goals. 

The National Diaper Bank Network says that one in two families in the U.S. are in need of diapers. The urgency in the need for diapers can cost families up to $1,000 a year, which can create financial strains.

“Babies can use an average of 10 diapers a day,” Matsuo said. “When families experience diaper shortages, it can lead to increased levels of stress for caregivers.”

In SLU’s press release, they noted that 20% of children in Missouri live in families that earn below the Federal Poverty Line. Despite that, diapers can’t be purchased under federal assistance programs, according to the release.

SLU, however, looks to ease those financial inconveniences with its projects. 

“Families need to have a consistent, sufficient set of diapers to keep their baby dry,” said Barreca, who manages SLU’s partnerships with more than 25 local non-profits in the St. Louis region and serves as a STLADB board member. “Having enough diapers allows babies to be healthy and happy.”

Initiatives for this research surround reducing diaper needs and educating stakeholders/policymakers.

SLU’s project is set to start its data collection in May.

“Removing barriers like a luxury tax on necessary items like diapers could make things a little easier for families,” Matsuo said. “We are conducting evidence-based research with the goal of changing the system.”