DECATUR, Alabama — Safe Haven Baby Boxes have become more common in the state of Alabama and in surrounding areas. So far, at least four are installed across the state for a parent to safely surrender a newborn. In some areas, Safe Haven Baby Boxes have been placed at local fire stations. But, in other areas, such as Decatur, they are placing their first Safe Haven Baby Box at Decatur Morgan Hospital. The baby box will be located near their emergency room in an area where there is no camera coverage whatsoever.
When a baby is surrendered in a baby safety device, the child must be taken to a local hospital for evaluation and the local county DHR must be notified. DHR takes immediate care, custody and control of the infant. DHR will then follow its process to find a proper placement for the child.
Decatur Morgan Hospital's Vice President of operations Jason Cunningham shares what inspired this baby box was an idea within the community. "Currently, we're in contract negotiations with a company that builds it. Once we get the contract wrapped up, we'll begin construction. They saw a need and with the support of the city of Decatur, county commission and our elected officials, they funded it. and the idea was born."
Furthermore, the reason they decided to place the baby box at the hospital vs. a local fire station is because of the around the clock medical support. "As we all know fire departments have other duties than just sitting at the fire station. So the next best option is the hospital, where there is always somebody here, 24/7, that can really receive the baby, take care of the baby and make sure that future care is given.
This is how the process will work. "Once the door is open and a baby's placed into the box, it triggers a silent alarm. There's also an option for video within the box. So you actually can see the baby in the box. and that activates our care team. So our E.R. team will be the first people to retrieve the baby on the other side of the wall from the box. And we'll get the labor and delivery team here to make sure and do a full evaluation with the care of pediatricians if needed on these babies." The baby box is at Decatur Morgan Hospital in early summer.