Officials have decided on a definite location for an anonymous crisis service coming to Rowan County. It's part of a nationwide initiative to provide new mothers with a last-resort option.
According to Kentucky’s Safe Infants Act, a parent can legally surrender their child younger than 30 days at a safe location like hospitals, police or fire stations, and EMS facilities. Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a completely anonymous method to surrender these infants. Once a child is placed in the Baby Box, an alarm sounds and emergency medical personnel immediately respond to the scene and ensure the child’s safety.
Harry Clark, Rowan County Judge Executive, said providing the crisis system is critical for ensuring parents and children stay safe.
“It means a lot and says a lot for us as a community, that we know we’re not all perfect. And this gives folks an opportunity to do something that I’m sure they don’t want to do to begin with,” said Clark, “But allows a baby to have a better life and a better start than maybe they had.”
He said the system has benefited many other communities across the state and country. Montgomery County’s Baby Box received its first use in June, and officials said the surrendered infant was safe and healthy.
Clark said access to the Baby Box is not restricted by residency or any other factor. The only requirement is the child must be under 30 days old.
“There would be no way, even if you wanted to restrict it, but we certainly wouldn’t restrict it. It doesn’t matter. You know, a baby is a baby, and we don’t care which county it is. We don’t have any lines when it comes to babies,” said Clark.
Rowan County EMS Station 1 at American Legion Way has been chosen as the location for this Baby Box, citing less traffic than other potential locations. Officials anticipated that through fundraising efforts, Rowan County’s Safe Haven Baby Box will be installed and ready for use in the next six months.