Baby box installed at Crystal River fire station for safe surrender of newborn babies; ceremony Oct. 10, 12:00 pm

Unveiling and Blessing Ceremony, October 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm

New Resource to Provide a Safe, Anonymous Surrender Option for Infants in Crisis

Crystal River, Florida – On October 4, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue announced its newly installed Safe Haven Baby Box at the Connell Heights Fire Station #7, located at 800 N. Rock Crusher Rd. in Crystal River. The baby box will provide a safe, secure, and anonymous option for parents to surrender their newborns, within the first 30 days after their birth, if the parents are unable or unwilling to care for them.

The parents can surrender their infant inside the Safe Haven Baby Box by opening the box’s secure door, placing the baby inside the box, and then closing the door. When the door is shut, a sensor immediately alerts local authorities, ensuring that the baby is safely retrieved by first responders within minutes

The Safe Haven Baby Box serves as a last-resort option for parents in crisis, offering an alternative to unsafe abandonment, while ensuring that the infant receives proper care and protection. Each Safe Haven Baby Box undergoes stringent testing during the design, development, and deployment stages to ensure the highest safety standards.

"We are committed to ensuring that every infant in Citrus County is protected, and every parent in crisis has a safe, legal option. This baby box will save lives and provide a compassionate solution for families," said Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are designed to comply with Florida’s Safe Haven Law, which permits parents to safely and legally surrender a newborn up to thirty days old without facing criminal charges. The installation at Fire Station #7 is part of a nationwide initiative by the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization, whose mission is to raise awareness of the Safe Haven Law and prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns.

"We are proud to support the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Connell Heights Fire Station, a critical addition that underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable in our community,” said County Administrator Steve Howard. “This initiative offers a secure, anonymous option for parents in crisis, ensuring that every infant has a chance at life in a safe and caring environment. While we hope that this box is never needed, its presence provides peace of mind, knowing that a life-saving resource is available in times of desperation. Our goal is to offer compassion and protection while fostering a community where such difficult choices are supported with dignity and care."

To date, the organization has assisted in over 150 legal Safe Haven surrenders, including 50 babies who have been safely placed in baby boxes across the country. The national Safe Haven hotline has also received over 9,000 calls, referring hundreds of women to crisis pregnancy centers and providing vital support in times of need.

The unveiling and blessing ceremony of the Baby Box at Fire Station #7 will take place on October 10, 2024, at 12:00 pm. The public is invited to attend this important event as we dedicate this life-saving resource to the community.