MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – On Monday, Marion County Commissioners joined Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) to dedicate and bless the department’s first Safe Haven Baby Box (SHBB) at MCFR’s newest station, EMS Central.
MCFR says the baby box offers a “secure and anonymous option” for parents in crisis to surrender their newborn, representing the department’s “unwavering commitment” to protecting the community’s most vulnerable members.
The newly installed baby box features advanced technology that alerts first responders when a baby is dropped off, ensuring immediate safety.
Fire Chief James Banta says, “This Safe Haven Baby Box symbolizes hope, compassion, and safety. Its presence in our community reflects our mission to serve and protect every life in Marion County. We are honored to provide this critical resource to those in need.”
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Marion County Commissioners Kathy Bryant, Carl Zalak, and Matt McClain attended the unveiling alongside retired Senator Dennis Baxley, the aforementioned Chief Banta, and SHBB CEO Monica Kelsey.
Kelsey founded SHBB in 2015 and shares a remarkable story. At the age of 17, Kelsey was the victim of an attack in which she was raped and left for dead on the side of the road.
A few weeks after the attack, Kelsey found out she was pregnant. Her mother insisted on Kelsey performing a back-alley abortion, and when it came time for the procedure, Kelsey instead left her newborn baby in a small hospital—two hours after giving birth.
Instead of letting this horrible situation get the better of her, Kelsey decided to use her traumatic experience for good. She was introduced to her first baby box during a trip to Cape Town, South Africa, and was awe-inspired by the idea.
Fast-forward to today, and an idea provoked across the seas has become a domestic success in the United States. SHBB has installed nearly 300 baby boxes nationwide, with one now stationed in Marion County.
MCFR says they are not done there; they have announced upcoming baby box installations at Citra Fire Station #20 and the newly remodeled Golden Ocala Station #20.
“A heartfelt thank you to Monica Kelsey, CEO of Safe Haven Baby Box, for her tireless dedication to securing a future for our most vulnerable populations,” writes MCFR.