Two Memphis pharmacies offering free diapers

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  — Tennessee has become the first state to launch a free diaper program — and there are two participating pharmacies in Memphis.

Highland Heights Pharmacy on Poplar Ave and The Medicine Shopper on Knight Arnold are the approved sites where families can receive up to 100 diapers each month.

“[Highland Heights Pharmacy] is less than a mile-and-a-half– I’m not far from here. It’s convenient to come here,” said Maryland Harrison, guardian to her thirteen-month great nephew, Caleb.

She tells WREG that on average she spends more than $60 on pampers twice a month. “To me right now that’s a lot,” said Harrison.

She is not the only one that feels the financial hit. Several people at Highland Heights Pharmacy are grateful for Tennessee being the first in the country to launch a free diaper program.

“It’s hard to pay the rent, buy food, buy medicine, buy diapers. So, this is just a small piece of the puzzle,” said Suzanne Tagg, owner and pharmacist of Highland Heights Pharmacy.

She says parents should come in with their identifications and TennCare or CoverKids cards. “They need to fill out what’s called a diaper request form,” said Tagg.

Tagg says to remember the program is new, and she is going to need your understanding.

“Don’t expect to get the diapers right this moment because this program is brand new and it is a little more than we expected. I expected every pharmacy in town to be a part of this program,” said Tagg. “I didn’t realize there was only going to be two. So, just give us a few hours, be patient and once everybody is in the system moving forward next month it will be a smoother, easier process.”

“It’s been a strain and I am thankful,” said Harrison. “I am grateful for the program being here in Memphis.”

At the moment, Huggies and Cuties are the only name brands covered under the program.

TennCare says Pampers and Luvs will be added to the list in the coming weeks.

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