Salinas Valley Health Nurses Campaign for Maternal Mental Health

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

April 27, 2023 - The Perinatal Unit nurses at Salinas Valley Health are taking action to benefit the community and raising awareness during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. The national awareness week is recognized May 1-6 and for the second year, perinatal nurses have organized a diaper drive to benefit local families.

“We were successful last year in donating 150 cases of diapers to families in need,” says Marisol Soria, RNC- OB, Perinatal Unit Practice Council Chair at Salinas Valley Health. “Our nurses are passionate about supporting the emotional and mental health needs of new moms. We know we can alleviate a lot of stress some mothers feel if they just have the diaper products they need and often can’t afford.”

The nursing staff say diapers are essential items for young children however they are often expensive and unaffordable for many. The perinatal nurses call the diaper need a silent crisis and too often parents in low income households make due by stretching the time between diaper changes or re-using diapers, both of which put babies at risk of infections, diaper rash and other health problems. Rationing diapers is also a contributing factor to stress and depression in mothers.

“I’m so proud of our nurses who created and are driving this initiative,” says Lisa Paulo, MSN/MPA, RN, CENP, Chief Nursing Officer at Salinas Valley Health. “It’s impressive to see the clinical work they do to support parents and just as rewarding to witness how they continually go above and beyond in serving the needs of the community in innovative ways such as this diaper drive.”

Salinas Valley Health will be collecting diapers May 1-9 with drop off locations for staff and the public located in the Medical Center’s main entrance at 450 E. Romie Lane, Salinas. There are also drop off locations on the Labor and Delivery unit and in the Blue Zones Project approved Cafeteria. Donated diapers will be distributed by the Salinas Valley Health Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic. Last year, a number of organizations made generous donations through Salinas Valley Health Foundation. Companies interested in making tax deductible monetary or diaper contributions during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week are urged to contact the Salinas Valley Health Foundation at 831-759-1880.