Please join us for Prescott’s first Safe Haven Baby Box Blessing on Monday, September 30th at 1pm at Station 71, 333 White Spar Road. The event will feature a blessing by the Fire Department’s Chaplain, remarks from Chief Durre and Chief Bonney, and potentially an opening address by the Mayor.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes help prevent illegal abandonment of newborns and ensure the safety and well-being of infants. These boxes provide an anonymous, safe, and legal last resort option for surrender, not just for Prescott residents, but for all Arizonans.
Many women in crisis want and need anonymity when surrendering an infant, either because of fear of being recognized, the stigma associated with the surrender, or fear of prosecution due to the lack of knowledge and misunderstanding of the Safe Haven Law.
This temperature-controlled box is equipped with multiple alarm systems to ensure first responders can quickly attend to a surrendered baby, while giving the parent time to leave. In Arizona, a Safe Haven newborn is an unharmed infant who is 30 days old or younger and the infant is delivered by a parent or agent of the parent to a Safe Haven provider. Having a Safe Haven Baby Box brings awareness to the Safe Haven laws, options for parents, and provides resources such as the 24/7 line for parents in crisis 1-866-99BABY1 (1-866-992-2291).
“We are excited to offer this vital life-saving service in our community. While we hope no mother ever faces the difficult choice of utilizing the box, we are passionate about providing this life-saving option to prevent infant mortality issues experienced in many communities due to not having this resource available,” said Fire Chief Holger Durre.
Individuals with general questions about the Safe Haven Baby Box can call the city at 928-777-1460 or email communications@prescott-az.gov.
