State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest was presented with the Children’s Champion Award at Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford Wednesday morning for her work in reducing diaper insecurity.  

By Bridget Bronsdon 

State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, a staunch supporter of reducing diaper insecurity, was recognized with the Children’s Champion Award for her tireless work in diaper affordability and accessibility. Gilchrest, the long-time advocate, has been pushing for covering diapers through Medicaid and was locally honored for her work. 

Charter Oak International Academy hosted the representative on Wednesday morning as leaders from the Bridge Family Center and Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance offered words of gratitude to thank Gilchrest for her tireless advocacy. 

Executive Director of the Bridge Family Center, Margaret Hann. June 5, 2024. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon

“Jillian is one of my good friends and one of our guardian angels at the state capital who looks over us, and it is a great pleasure today to honor her and her advocacy and work to making sure kids have diapers,” said Executive Director of the Bridge Family Center, Margaret Hann. 

Vanessa Hawke, the manager of membership and advocacy at the CT Early Childhood Alliance also offered words of gratitude. 

“We are honored to represent Rep. Jillian Gilchrest with the Children’s Champion Award for her leadership and introducing and advocating for legislation expanding Medicaid coverage for diapers for young children. She has been a long-time advocate in her role as a legislator, then as a co-chair of the Council on Medical Assistance Program Oversight, and now as a co-chair of the Human Services Committee. Thank you Rep. Gilchrest for your work on behalf of Connecticut’s children and families,” she said. 

Vanessa Hawke, Manager of Membership and Advocacy at the CT Early Childhood Alliance. June 5, 2024. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon

Prior to receiving the award, Gilchrest has been pushing for diaper coverage through Medicaid as the matter goes far beyond accessibility. “It can cause emotional issues for parents who can’t financially afford to purchase diapers. It impacts children’s health,” she said. 

Alongside mental and physical health issues, Gilchrest also noted financial concerns. “It doesn’t just impact our lowest income families, it’s actually impacting families of all income levels and, like I was mentioning, the detrimental impact it can have on children’s health, parent’s health, and the economic impact on a family,” she said. 

Vanessa Hawke presenting State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest with the Children’s Champion Award at Charter Oak International Academy. June 5, 2024. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon

Despite these concerns, Rep. Gilchrest is hopeful and has plans for the future. “The idea of Medicaid covering diapers is growing nationally, it looks as though two states are pursuing this, or will enact it, and so I think Connecticut will be next and so I look forward to pushing it next legislative session,” she said. “Please think of this as my continued promise to work with you in future sessions,” she said.

State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest receiving the Children’s Champion Award at Charter Oak International Academy. June 5, 2024. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon 

Gilchrest’s award presentation was concluded with several songs by the preschool students and a heartfelt “thank you” from the staff. 

State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest receiving the Children’s Champion Award at Charter Oak International Academy. June 5, 2024. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon

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