HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A blessing ceremony for the Safe Haven baby box was held Feb. 12 at the Hopkinsville Fire Department. The fire chief, mayor, and Safe Haven representatives explained the process and importance of the box.
“We are so happy to be able to provide this to our community,” said Fire Chief Steve Futrell during the ceremony. He explained that this project has been in the works for a while. The idea was initially introduced to them by Angie Crawford with the Alpha Pregnancy Care Center. She helped solicit donations from individuals, churches, and organizations to help fund the box.
“This is the 201st time we have come to a community to say that Safe Haven baby boxes is giving mothers the opportunity for surrendering legally with no shame, no blame, and no names,” said Safe Haven representative Jen Savage. “Every crisis has its own story, and we are not here to judge, we are just here to offer options.”
Hopkinsville Mayor JR Knight also addressed the crowd, saying he is already working with the department to establish a second box in a different location in Hopkinsville.
“Hopkinsville does need this,” said Mayor Knight. ” It’s all about the children and the babies, and that’s what we are here to take care of.”
How it works
Deputy Chief Bill Pyle with HFD spearheaded the project and has properly trained first responders on what to do when a baby arrives. Chief Futrell praised him for putting his heart and soul into the project.
If a person is surrendering a baby, they can approach the box located on the side of the fire station at West First Street in Hopkinsville. A hospital style bed is inside the plexiglass box that can be accessed by first responders from inside the station. A pamphlet is also located inside the box with information on the mother’s rights, and a crisis hotline number for continued mental and emotional support.
Once the door closes, it automatically locks from the outside. Within 90 second first responders will retrieve the baby. A general check will be done, and the baby will ultimately be taken to the emergency room. First responder will participate in weekly testing in the department to ensure they are prepared, according to Deputy Chief Pyle.
The state of Kentucky currently has 31 baby boxes, and Safe Haven has had four babies surrendered in 2024 already.
“Boxes only work if moms are aware of them,” said Savage. They are continuing to spread awareness about the boxex, and encourage people to speak openly about it to spread the word.
DON’T MISS A STORY: Click here to sign up for our free weekly email newsletter