KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new Safe Haven Baby Box, a device that allows mothers to surrender their newborns safely, was installed at a Halls fire station, Rural Metro announced Thursday. It is at Rural Metro Station 30 at 4701 Lena Lane.
There are now four boxes in the state, three of which are in East Tennessee. In total, there are 214 Safe Haven Baby Boxes nationwide. A spokesperson behind the boxes said 43 babies have been surrendered so far through Baby Boxes in Tennessee.
"This station is the busiest we have. So clearly, there is a need for a lot of services," said Rural Metro Fire Captain Jeffrey Bagwell. "Halls is a good location. We're a close driving distance to Anderson County, Union County."
A mother can surrender her unharmed newborn to designated facilities within two weeks of birth without fear of being prosecuted under the Safe Haven Law. The Safe Haven Baby Box allows the mother to do this anonymously.
The Craig Foundation, the Knox County Government and Rural Metro funded the box.
"This baby box represents a collective partnership between private donors, Knox County Government and Rural Metro Fire. Together we can all ensure that newborns are cared for properly and placed in the hands of people that can care for them long term in loving homes,” Bagwell said.
When the door of a baby box opens, a silent alarm sounds alerting first responders, along with when the infant is placed in the bassinet and when the door shuts and automatically locks, according to the Safe Haven Baby Box website.
"Nobody knows who they are, and they can remain anonymous," said Mariah Betz, from Safe Haven. "There's no questions asked. No name, no shame, no blame on these women."
The baby will be immediately transported to the hospital and the baby is placed with an adoptive family. Less than a year ago, a healthy baby boy was surrendered at the Safe Haven Baby Box at Knoxville Fire Department Station 17 off Western Avenue. He's since been adopted.
"We honor [this parent]," Safe Haven Baby Box founder Monica Kelsey said regarding the baby boy's surrender. "She had a host of other unsafe options and she chose a safe option."