PUBLIC HEALTH
A new option for parents facing a crisis involving a newborn is now available in San Angelo following the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the city’s Central Fire Station.
The box, located on the exterior of the fire station, was officially unveiled and placed into service Monday. Parents are able to anonymously and safely surrender an unharmed infant under Texas Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses Law.
The San Angelo box is the first in the city, the 23rd box in Texas, and the 477th box in the nation, according to Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization.
The box is climate controlled, allowing a parent to place an infant inside without interacting directly with other beings. Once the exterior door is opened and the baby is placed inside, the door locks and an alarm notifies firefighters currently on duty that the box has been used and seeks attention and intervention.
Firefighters can then retrieve the infant through an interior door of the box and begin medical assessments before transporting the child to a hospital for further evaluation.
The project was funded through community donations. The Junior League of San Angelo provided funding that helped bring the project to completion.
The organization lists Baby Boxes in Abilene, Lubbock, Wolfforth, Corsicana and Palestine.
The San Angelo Central Fire Station is located at 306 W. 1st St. in San Angelo.
