Efforts are underway to bring to North Vernon a program that allows mothers to safely give up their infants, and residents can learn more about how it works when the program’s founder speaks at a local church.
The Safe Haven Baby Box program is designed so mothers can give up their infants without risking the child’s life.
Indiana became a Safe Haven state in 2001 by passing a law that said a mother could surrender a baby less than 30 days old at any full-time staffed hospital, police station or fire station. That law was spurred by several newborn babies found discarded on streets.
Monica Kelsey led the charge to expand the law to include the anonymous surrender of an infant into a specially designed box. Three years ago, she helped establish Safe Haven Baby Box, a volunteer organization that is designed to help both mothers and babies.
North Vernon Fire Chief Mike Cole said a Baby Box will soon be installed at the North Vernon Fire Department’s station, 2000 N. Madison Ave.
“It is a program we hope we never have to use, but if it will save just one child’s life the effort will be worth while,” Cole said.
The Baby Box is to be built into the side of the station. With no questions asked, a mother may surrender her infant by placing it into the Baby Box. The special Baby Box will be programmed to alert emergency personnel when a baby has been placed in it. After the baby is safely in the box, access to the box will be automatically locked until the baby is rescued by firehouse personnel, according to the Safe Haven Baby Box program.
North Vernon would be only the fourth city in Indiana to install a Baby Box. There are currently two at northern Indiana fire departments and one in Marion County. Last year, two babies were surrendered in Michigan City, according to the program.
Kelsey will speak about the Safe Haven Baby Box program at noon July 29 at St. Mary’s Parish Center.
The Knights of Columbus have joined a statewide effort to encourage communities to become involved in the Baby Box Program.
“This is not just about the baby, it is also about the mother. We man a 24-hour hotline to help desperate mothers with counseling and information about state Safe Haven laws. If a mother wants help to keep her child, we will help her find the help she needs. The Baby Box is a last resort, but a Baby Box can save a life and they need to be there,” said Anthony Callahan, spokesman for the Kokomo-based Knights of Columbus Council No. 1631.
The idea has gained the support of North Vernon Mayor Mike Ochs and the City Council, and the Knights of Columbus are leading fundraising efforts to purchase and install the box at the fire station, Callahan said.
About $5,000 of the needed $10,000 has been raised needed to purchase and install a Baby Box at the fire station, Cole said.
“Just three years ago, we had a baby abandoned here in Jennings County. That baby was rescued, has been adopted and has a good life. A Baby Box can help make a happy ending for other babies in the same situation,” Cole said.
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WHO: Monica Kelsey, founder of the Baby Box Program.
WHAT: She will explain the Baby Box Program at a free, public lunch, and what it could mean for the North Vernon community. She will also be available to answer questions.
WHEN: Noon, July 29.
WHERE: St. Mary’s Parish Center, 212 Washington St., North Vernon.
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