(Joplin, MO) – Saving lives just became easier in Joplin with the recent addition of a Safe Haven Baby Box to Joplin Fire Station 7.
City of Joplin officials, members of the Fire Department, community resources staff, and volunteers introduced and blessed a Save Haven Baby Box into service on Tuesday, January 28 at the station, which is located at 6720 East 30th Street. Tim Sumners, Joplin Fire Department Chaplain, provided the blessing.
The newest addition represents a significant step forward in the City’s mission to provide a safe and anonymous alternative to surrendering an infant. This is the first baby box located in Joplin, and the sixth one in Missouri. Across the country, there are 310 Safe Haven Baby Box locations. This new location will offer a secure and compassionate option for parents in crisis in Joplin and the surrounding area.
“The Joplin Fire Department is honored to offer such a compassionate and life-saving resource to our area,” said Fire Chief Gerald Ezell. “Many helped to make this happen for our community, and we appreciate those who were strong advocates who helped bring us to this day.”
Ezell noted that Cindy Miller Kelley from Maumelle, Arkansas, Leigh Kelly with Joplin Fire Department, and community advocates C.B. Eastman and Kate Spencer along with members of Joplin Professional Firefighters Local 59 were instrumental in this project.
Monica Kelsey founded Safe Haven Baby Boxes on a mission to end infant abandonment. Kelsey attended the blessing for the community’s baby box, which can help ensure every infant in our area has a chance for a safe and loving future.
In addition to baby boxes, the organization provides a confidential National Hotline, 1.866.99BABY1. Seventeen states have a Baby Box presence within their state.
Kelsey shared, “We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives. We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in crisis. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”
Since 2017, 55 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a Baby Box. The National Safe Haven Crisis Line has assisted with over 150 handoff surrenders. Each year, the numbers increase with more baby boxes available across the country. Surrendered infants are adopted by families who have registered as foster to adopt. The Local Department of Family Services coordinates the adoption process.
Reference:
Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org
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