Chattanooga Welcomes Life-Saving Baby Box at Fire Station 6!
Hey there, Chattanooga! Exciting news has rolled into town, and it’s all about giving newborns a chance at life. The Chattanooga Fire Department has just unveiled a remarkable addition to Fire Station 6, located at 4510 Bonny Oaks Drive. This addition is the all-new Save Haven Baby Box, a beacon of hope for parents who find themselves in difficult situations and unsure of what to do with their newborns.
A Safe Space for Parents in Crisis
For those unfamiliar, the Safe Haven Baby Box is designed to allow parents in crisis to surrender their newborns safely and anonymously, without the fear of prosecution. Tennessee law permits this under its Safe Haven Law, ensuring no questions are asked, just help is provided. It’s a lifesaver for both parents who feel they have no options and for the babies who deserve a shot at life.
So, how does this work? It’s easier than you might think. The box is conveniently installed in the exterior wall of the fire station. Parents can simply open the secure door, place their baby inside the temperature-controlled bin, and close it securely. As soon as the door is shut, a sensor immediately alerts the firefighters on duty to come and retrieve the baby. Talk about quick action!
Care Right When It’s Needed Most
The Chattanooga Fire Department has ensured they’re ready for any situation by providing immediate medical care for the little one until Hamilton County EMS arrives to transport the baby to the nearest hospital for further evaluation. Just imagine the relief for a parent knowing their child is being taken care of promptly and professionally!
A Journey of Compassion
Now, let’s talk about the heart behind this initiative. Enter Carol Burhenn, a local who had a deeply personal experience with the Safe Haven Baby Box concept. Her daughter adopted her son through one of these boxes in Vienna, Austria. Inspired by her experience, Carol became a driving force in bringing this fantastic option to Chattanooga. It’s heartwarming to see how personal stories can lead to life-saving solutions!
Resources for New Parents
What’s more? The Box is stocked with resources for parents. Inside, there’s an orange bag full of helpful materials for anyone who uses it. This thoughtful touch ensures that even in crisis, support is available. The Baby Box is operational 24/7 and automatically locks once a baby is placed inside, providing complete security.
Growing Numbers of Baby Boxes
Chattanooga’s Baby Box is one of 12 locations across Tennessee, and there are a whopping 284 Safe Haven Baby Boxes scattered throughout the United States! The ultimate goal? To have at least one baby box in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties. It’s a sizable mission, but with support from the community, it’s certainly achievable.
Future Plans in East Ridge
In addition to the good news from Chattanooga, East Ridge Fire Chief Mike Williams announced plans for a version of the Baby Box to be installed soon, with hopes of having it operational by January. It’s heartening to witness local leaders stepping up to ensure even more families have resources available.
Need Help? Reach Out!
For anyone who feels overwhelmed or needs assistance, remember you are not alone. The Safe Haven Crisis Line is just a call away at 1-866-99BABY1. Help and support are available for those who need it!
So, there you have it, Chattanooga! A simple box with a big mission—giving newborns a safe entry into the world and ensuring parents in crisis have options. Let’s celebrate this step forward in kindness and care!
