Shine, a program of the Diaper Bank of CT, supports low-income families who are
raising youths (between the ages of 4 to 20) who need incontinence supplies
due to a medical condition.
Support
Support the statewide development and expansion of community-based incontinence supply initiatives
Distribute
Distribute incontinence supplies to community partners.
Advocate
Advocate for private insurance companies to cover more of the cost of incontinence supplies so they are more accessible and affordable.
Incontinence products for older children are expensive.
Incontinence products for older children can cost between 70 cents and $2 per single-use item, and the average family
will spend between $180 and $215 a month on incontinence products.
Parents cut back work hours to care for youths with medical needs.
22.1% of Connecticut families whose children have medical needs spend $1,000 or more per year out of their personal finances for medical expenses for their child; 15.7% of these families have experienced financial problems and 21.9% of these families have had to stop working or cut back on their hours, according to the Connecticut Chapter of the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs
In Connecticut, insurance coverage of youth incontinence products is limited. This program is designed to help alleviate the ongoing financial burden, allowing families to put the money they save on incontinence products towards programs and supports to enhance their children’s educational, social, and emotional wellbeing.
You can make a difference.
