28-01-2025
Joplin receives first Safe Haven Baby Box
JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Fire Department has a new, life-saving resource for infant children.
A dedication ceremony and blessing took place today for the city's first Safe Haven Baby Box. It's located at Fire Station Seven and was put into service at noon.
The box offers a secure and compassionate option for area parents in crisis.
Missouri's Safe Place for Newborns law allows a parent to permanently give up a newborn up to 45 days old without prosecution, as long as it is done according to the law.
Safe Haven officials say their mission is to end infant abandonment, ensuring every child has a chance for a safe and loving future.
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'All a mom or a dad has to do is walk up to the baby box, open up the door, place their unharmed infant inside, shut the door and walk away. Then the fire department will step in and take care of the baby and transport the baby to the hospital,' said Mariah Betez, Safe Haven Baby Boxes Assist. Project Coordinator.
'I can't imagine what a parent goes through to make that decision, that the best choice for my child is to give them up for adoption. So, having this resource here is incredible, I mean, it truly is awesome to have this,' said Gerald Ezell, Joplin Fire Chief.
This is the sixth Safe Haven Baby Box to be installed in the state of Missouri.
Carthage also received its first Safe Haven Box late this afternoon at Fire Station Two.
There are now 312 box locations across the country.
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