The following is a press release from Arkansas Right to Life.
Safe Haven Baby Box dedications will be held at 1 p.m. March 9 at Med Tech EMS, 10 Medical Services Drive, Morrilton, and at 1 p.m. March 10 at Fire Department Station No. 2, 1520 Graham Road, Jacksonville. The public is invited to attend.
The new surrender locations mark the 419th Safe Haven Baby Box in the nation and the 35th in Arkansas, expanding access to safe, anonymous surrender options for mothers in crisis.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes was founded by Monica Kelsey on a mission to end infant abandonment. In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential National Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1. Twenty-four states have a Baby Box presence within their state. Kelsey shared, “We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives.
We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in crisis. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”
Dozens of infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a Baby Box. The National Safe Haven Crisis line has assisted with more than 150 handoff surrenders. Each year the numbers increase with more baby boxes available across the country. Surrendered infants are adopted by families who have registered as foster to adopt. The Local Department of Family Services coordinates the adoption process.
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