A newborn safely surrendered in Ohio Baby Box at Delhi Township Fire Department in January has sparked gratitude and hope. Moreover, firefighters responded in under a minute, ensuring the infant received immediate care during freezing winter conditions.
Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, praised the mother’s choice. “This mother’s decision was selfless, an act of pure love,” she said. Furthermore, the baby is now healthy and on track to find a permanent adoptive home.
How the Safe Haven Baby Box Works?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Response Time | Under 1 minute |
| Temperature Control | Heating and cooling elements |
| Alert System | Silent alarm to firefighters |
| Anonymity | Completely private surrender |
| Adoption Timeline | 30-45 days typically |
The Surrender Process
When a mother places a baby in the box, several things happen immediately:
- A silent alarm alerts first responders.
- Firefighters retrieve the infant within moments.
- Medical professionals provide immediate care.
- The baby goes to a hospital for evaluation.
- Additionally, child services begin finding a permanent home.
Why This Matters?
The Delhi Township station installed its Baby Box in 2022. Since then, it has become one of 22 boxes across Ohio. Nationwide, more than 400 boxes operate in 23 states.
Therefore, these boxes provide crucial options for mothers facing impossible situations. Kelsey emphasized that parents make this choice themselves. “Nobody else is making this choice for them,” she explained.
The Bigger Picture
Safe Haven Baby Boxes has facilitated important rescues:
- 75 safe surrenders through Baby Boxes since 2017.
- Over 180 in-person handoffs to authorities.
- Countless lives saved from potential harm.
- Furthermore, families are created through adoption.
Support Available for Parents
Importantly, help doesn’t end with surrender. Kelsey offered this message to parents: “If you need medical care or counseling, reach out to us. We are here for you.”
The organization provides:
- Free medical care.
- Counseling resources.
- Crisis support services.
- Complete confidentiality.
- Additionally, ongoing emotional support.
The January Surrender Details
This particular case proved especially urgent. AccuWeather reported temperatures had dropped well below freezing throughout January. Nevertheless, the temperature-controlled box kept the infant safe and comfortable.
The fire chief confirmed the baby was less than 24 hours old when surrendered. Subsequently, firefighters transported the child to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for evaluation.
How to Get Help?
If you or someone you know needs assistance, resources are available immediately:
- Call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline: 1-866-99BABY1.
- Licensed counselors available 24/7.
- Find your nearest Safe Haven location.
- Moreover, all services remain completely confidential.
A Message of Hope
Kelsey addressed the mother directly in her message. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting us,” she said. “Your baby was loved by the firefighters who took this baby from the box.”
Ultimately, this story demonstrates that safe options exist. The newborn safely surrendered in Ohio Baby Box now has a future filled with love and opportunity, thanks to one mother’s courageous decision during her darkest moment.
