Safe Haven Baby Box initiative launched by Salina Fire Department

Charles Rankin, Salina Journal
·2 min read

The Salina Fire Department is launching an initiative to bring a Safe Haven Baby Box to the community.

This initiative, which has been spearheaded by Mayor Bill Longbine with the support of the Salina City Commission, city manager Mike Schrage and the SFD was announced by fire chief Tony Sneidar Wednesday.

In a news release, Sneidar said this is a crucial project in the community that will offer a "secure, anonymous option for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns."

Founded by Monica Kelsey in 2015, Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc. provides devices for safe newborn surrender, installed in fire stations or hospitals with alarms for immediate emergency response.

Sneidar said the box will also be fully compliant with the Kansas Safe Haven Law.

The Safe Haven Baby Box in Gadsden, Alabama, has detailed instructions written in English and Spanish. Salina Fire Department Station No. 1 is set to have a similar baby box installed after an initiative was announced by chief Tony Sneidar.
The Safe Haven Baby Box in Gadsden, Alabama, has detailed instructions written in English and Spanish. Salina Fire Department Station No. 1 is set to have a similar baby box installed after an initiative was announced by chief Tony Sneidar.

Community donations needed for Safe Haven Baby Box

While there is some funding coming to the city for the installation from Driven to Care, Sneidar said more is needed to make this box, which will be installed at Fire Station No. 1, a reality.

"This project requires additional community donations to ensure its success," Sneidar said. "Your support through community donations is important and the lifeblood of this initiative."

"Your donations will cover the costs of installation, maintenance, and awareness campaigns, which are crucial for the success of the Safe Haven Baby Box Initiative."

The anticipated costs include the Baby Box, demolition, construction materials, installation and electrical work, amounting to $21,000, and a $500 annual maintenance fee.

There are a couple of options to donate, including online by visiting secure.qgiv.com/for/babyboxfundraiserforsalinaks, or by mailing checks with the memo "Salina, KS Baby Box" to PO Box 185, Woodburn, IN 46797.

"The Salina Community Baby Box initiative is not just a project; it's a life-saving opportunity for parents in crisis, helping to secure the futures of our most vulnerable infants," Sneidar said.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina Fire launces initiative to bring baby box to Station No. 1