The Alpha Pregnancy Care Center in Hopkinsville is currently working toward installing a Safe Haven Baby Box in the city.
Executive Director Angie Crawford says a Baby Box is a safety device—typically on the outside wall of a fire station or hospital—that allows mothers to safely, securely, and anonymously surrender a newborn baby.
click to download audioThe device is planned to be located at the City of Hopkinsville Fire Department and Christian County EMS headquarters.
The Baby Box is supported under Kentucky’s Safe Infants Act, which legally allows parents to surrender newborn infants under 30 days old at staffed facilities such as hospitals or police and fire stations “without fear of criminal prosecution or allegation of neglect.”
According to NPR, at least 4,505 infants have been surrendered through safe haven laws throughout the country; however, Crawford says there are only two Baby Boxes in western Kentucky—in Muhlenberg County and Bowling Green.
click to download audioCrawford added an estimated amount of $16,000 must be raised to order and install the device.
click to download audioShe says the heart of Alpha is to meet the needs of a mother who had an unexpected pregnancy, something the Safe Haven Baby Box will be able to accomplish.
click to download audioThose interested in donating can do so through Alpha’s Facebook page or by mailing a check. Crawford noted the organization itself cannot accept the funds and they should go directly to Safe Haven Baby Boxes at PO Box 185, Woodburn, Indiana, 46797.
For more information, contact the Alpha Pregnancy Care Center.
