Florida installs new 'Baby Box' at Marion County fire station

Stream FOX 35 News

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

A Safe Haven Baby Box has been installed at a fire station in Marion County.

What is a Safe Haven Baby Box?

A Safe Haven Baby Box provides parents with an anonymous option for safely surrendering their newborns at local fire stations. 

When a baby is placed inside the box, advanced technology immediately alerts first responders, who then provide prompt care and support for the child.

A Safe Haven Baby Box has been installed at the EMS Central fire station in Marion County, Florida. (Credit: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Monday marked Marion County Fire Rescue's dedication of its first baby box at EMS Central, located at 1400 SW 6th Ave in Ocala. 

A Safe Haven Baby Box has been installed at the EMS Central fire station in Marion County, Florida. (Credit: Marion County Fire Rescue)

What they're saying:

A Safe Haven Baby Box has been installed at the EMS Central fire station in Marion County, Florida. (Credit: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Dig deeper:

Monica Kelsey, the CEO of Safe Haven Baby Box, created the baby boxes to prevent illegal abandonment of newborns, with the organization's primary goal of raising awareness of the Safe Haven Law "through a variety of educational initiatives, public speaking engagements, and direct care provided to parents in crisis," according to the Safe Haven Baby Box's website.

RELATED STORY: Newborn surrendered at Florida fire station 'Baby Box'

It's a passion near to her heart, as she was abandoned at a small hospital just hours after her teen mother – who had been "brutally attacked, raped and left for dead on the side of the road" – gave birth.

By the numbers:

The new baby box marks the 6th location in Florida. Marion County Fire Rescue said it plans to install more baby boxes at its Citra Fire Station #20 and its newly remodeled Golden Ocala Station #20.

There are over 100 baby boxes located across the United States. To find a location near you, click here

The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Marion County Fire Rescue and the Safe Haven Baby Box's website. 

Marion CountyFloridaNewsNews