Priority Health donates thousands of diapers to support Southwest Michigan families in need

(Grand Rapids, Mich. – June 23, 2020) Today, Priority Health announced it will donate 100,000 diapers this summer partnering with the Battle Creek Family YMCA/Battle Creek Diaper Initiative and St. Luke’s Diaper Bank in Kalamazoo to support struggling families as economic fallout from COVID-19 continues to be felt in communities around the state.

The nearly $40,000 donation from Priority Health will bolster supplies for diaper drives hosted by the organizations during the summer months as the state eases restrictions and attempts to recover from its 21.2 percent May unemployment rate.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen an increased need for diapers among the families we serve,” said Jill Hinde, CEO, Battle Creek Family YMCA. “There are many parents who lack the necessary resources to purchase diapers and are forced to make heartbreaking decisions about basic necessities. We are thankful for organizations like Priority Health who step in and support our work in the community.”

From June 24 to August 12, Priority Health will lend its support to the Battle Creek Family YMCA and Battle Creek Diaper Initiative serving about 100 families per week. Every Wednesday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. EST, families can drive through to pick up diapers and wipes at the Battle Creek Family YMCA. Since the pandemic started, the organization has been in constant need of diapers, giving away nearly 4,000 diapers per week.    

Every Tuesday from June 23 to August 11, Priority Health will support drive-up diaper distributions held by St. Luke’s Diaper Bank in Kalamazoo. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST, families will be able to pick up diapers at alternate distribution sites including St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Douglass Community Association. Please see St. Luke’s Diaper Bank’s Facebook page for the schedule. Founded in 2015, St. Luke’s Diaper Bank provides an adequate supply of diapers to an average of 100 families per week in the city of Kalamazoo.

“Nearly 1 in 3 American families cannot afford diapers, yet there are no federal or state programs that provide adequate funds for buying diapers,” said Kai Harris, Executive Director, St. Luke’s Diaper Bank. “Therefore, we rely on generous donations from the public and organizations such as Priority Health to provide this basic need for families.”

Priority Health has supported local communities and its nearly one million members during the crisis through volunteerism and virtual resources to help residents stay covered and healthy. As the pandemic continues, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to help improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

“COVID-19 has put a strain on the health and finances of many families, and increased the need for help with basic necessities,” said Shannon Wilson, Director of Medicaid Outreach and Quality at Priority Health. “As an organization, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve and we look forward to partnering with these wonderful organizations in Southwest Michigan.”

For more information on the diaper drives, visit the BC Diaper Initiative and St. Luke's Diaper Bank.

About Priority Health:

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.