Five Mountains Hawaii

This is a collaborative project of the Big Island Good Beginnings Alliance Community Council (BIGBACC), Five Mountains Hawaii, Friends of the Future, North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition and includes many other local businesses and service providers.

The Hugs Not Drugs Newborn Baskets are delivered through hospitals island-wide as a drug-prevention strategy. The goal of the newborn baskets is to ensure that all children on Hawaii Island receive a Snugli front-pack carrier, as well as other parent educational materials.

Studies have shown that the use of a ‘Snugli’, or infant front-pack carrier, serves to enhance ‘attachment’ which builds self-esteem and lessens the risk of anti-social behaviors including substance abuse later in life. Strengthening infant attachments with their parents or caregiver provide children with a better chance in life.