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Henry County hears Safe Haven baby‑box proposal; fundraising push planned pending state law
Summary
Henry County Fire Rescue demonstrated a Safe Haven baby box prototype and sought board approval to pursue a countywide fundraising campaign to install up to five boxes. Presenters said the initiative is tied to pending state legislation that would permit anonymous surrenders; estimated per‑box upfront costs were presented and a local MOU must be finalized before donations are accepted.
Henry County commissioners heard a presentation on Safe Haven baby boxes and the community fundraising campaign proposed to install them at county fire stations.
Chief Robinson (Fire Rescue) described the boxes as temperature‑controlled exterior inserts in fire stations that trigger silent and audible alarms when a newborn is placed inside; the box automatically locks and county responders are notified so the child can receive immediate paramedic care. "It gives a safe, legal, and anonymous option for parents who are in crisis to surrender their newborns," the chief said, explaining the device's alarm system and a target response window. He told the board the county has identified Station 6 as a likely first location, and staff would partner with local law enforcement where needed to secure any activation if responders are not at the station.
Amy Anderson, a local volunteer leading fundraising, told the board a community committee is already forming and that she expects to pursue donations, grants, and support from businesses and churches. "We're going to get that money raised," Anderson said, describing outreach to donors and the plan to hold funds in escrow until contracts and approvals are complete.
Presenters gave a cost overview: an initial lease/service fee of about $16,000 per box, a camera roughly $500, installation commonly between $5,000 and $7,500, and a modest delivery/setup fee noted in the presentation; staff summarized the total per box in the presentation as roughly in the low‑to‑mid‑$20,000 range and said the vendor requires an executed MOU before accepting donations. There is also an annual recertification fee and alarm‑monitoring costs; the vendor will retain ownership of the box and the county would operate under a multi‑year service/renewal agreement. Anderson said the group aims to fund installation plus 10 years of recertification if possible so the county would not bear ongoing operating costs immediately.
Board members asked operational questions and whether the program is contingent on state law. Staff and volunteers said the county currently accepts newborn surrenders in person under existing law but that House Bill 350 (the Safe Haven bill) would permit anonymous, non‑face‑to‑face use of the installed boxes; presenters said they planned to bring a finalized IGA/MOU back to the board for approval once the county attorney completes its review. The board did not vote to commit county funds at the meeting; instead staff will return with a formal agreement when available.
