CRYSTAL RIVER, FL (352today.com) – Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) will officially unveil and bless its new Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station #7 in Crystal River.
This addition marks a significant milestone for the county, as it becomes the fourth Safe Haven Baby Box in the state of Florida and the second in the Tampa Bay region, following Manatee County.
The Safe Haven Baby Box initiative offers a safe, secure, and anonymous option for parents who are unable or unwilling to care for their newborns. The boxes are designed for infants up to 30 days old, providing parents with a last-resort option to make sure that their child is safely placed in responsible hands.
Dedication Ceremony
The dedication ceremony for the Safe Haven Baby Box will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 12 p.m. at CCFR Station #7, located at 800 N Rock Crusher Rd, Crystal River. The event will include a blessing from CCFR Chaplains and remarks from key individuals who played an instrumental role in making the project happen.
Notable Attendees
The ceremony will feature remarks from:
- Citrus County Commissioner Ruthie D. Schlabach
- Monica Kelsey, Founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes
- Falon Hellstern, a community partner and supporter of the initiative
- CCFR Chaplains, who will provide the official blessing
Safe Haven Baby Boxes: A Nationwide Effort
To date, the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization has been involved in over 150 Safe Haven surrenders across the U.S., including 50 infants who have been safely placed in baby boxes. The organization’s national hotline has received over 9,000 calls, referring hundreds of women to crisis pregnancy centers and offering critical support in times of need.