Harrison County OKs $15,000 to help install Safe Haven baby box at local hospital

The Harrison County Commission voted to provide $15,000 to United Hospital Center to help install a Safe Haven baby box, a device that allows a person to surrender an infant anonymously while triggering an immediate call to emergency services.

Laura Edgel, who said she works with community fundraising at United Hospital Center, described the box’s operation and community rationale. “The back of the box is clear…The mom or family member puts the baby in, the safe box immediately locks within 15 seconds. Within 30 seconds, 9-1-1 is called and the baby is then transported to the local hospital,” Edgel said during the meeting. She told commissioners the hospital would cover any additional installation costs and an annual maintenance fee stated in the presentation.

Commissioners asked whether local incidents had prompted the request; Edgel said she had not heard of local cases but noted there are boxes in other West Virginia communities and that a national hotline fields thousands of calls annually. Supporters at the meeting said availability could prevent unsafe abandonments and provide an alternative in a rural area where the nearest confirmed box can be distant.

An unidentified commissioner moved to approve the $15,000 request. The motion passed by voice vote.

The funding vote followed several commissioners’ comments endorsing access to the option even if it is rarely used. The hospital representative said the box is intended as a last-resort safety measure and that United Hospital Center would assume maintenance responsibilities.

The county did not set an installation date in the meeting; staff will work with the hospital and local partners on siting and next steps.