INDIANAPOLIS — Wayne County is the latest area in Indiana to get a Safe Haven Baby Box — and they are making history doing it!
The above video is from a previous story of a baby being safely surrendered in Carmel.
The installation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 7606 W. 10th Street in Indianapolis.
Officials said there will also be a small blessing afterwards at three other locations in Wayne Township. Wayne Township is making history by being the first fire department to have a baby box installed at all four fire houses.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are temperature-controlled and sound an alarm to alert firefighters when an infant is placed inside. The baby is then retrieved within three minutes or less. Once taken out of the box, the baby is checked by medics, taken to the hospital and then placed with a family who will adopt the baby.
“We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives," Kelsey said. "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.”
Indiana's Safe Haven Law allows moms in crisis to give up an unwanted infant without fear of prosecution.
There are now more than 200 Safe Haven Baby Boxes across the United States, including 136 in Indiana.
Since 2017, Kelsey said 50 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a baby box. The National Safe Haven Crisis Line has helped with over 150 handoff surrenders.
In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential National Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1.
To find a Safe Haven Baby Box location, click here.