Saving lives just got a little easier in Blackfoot, Idaho, as the state’s first baby box will be blessed on Tuesday July 9th at 12 PM MST. The newest addition represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide a safe and anonymous alternative to surrendering an infant. Located at Grove Creek Medical Center at 350 N Meridian in Blackfoot, ID, our new location will offer a secure and compassionate option for parents in crisis and help ensure every infant has a chance for a safe and loving future. Across the country there are 245 Safe Haven Baby Box locations with this the first in Idaho.
The Safe Haven Baby Box in Blackfoot would not have been possible without the local advocates who worked tirelessly to bring this resource to their community. Hailey Dahle, Samantha Matamoros, and Patty Killian advocated for this project and were a voice for the most vulnerable! Critical support for the project was given by Bingham Healthcare Foundation, the hospital administration and community leaders.
Senator Julie VanOrden began the process of amending the Safe Haven legislation to permit anonymous surrender via newborn safety devices in Idaho. Mayor Carroll was also crucial in supporting the local ordinance. Collectively, these individuals made it easier to protect women in crisis and offer them and their infants hope.
Monica Kelsey founded Safe Haven Baby Boxes in 2015 on a mission to end infant abandonment. The organization provides a confidential National Hotline, 1-866-99BABY1. Seventeen states have a Baby Box presence within their state. Kelsey shared, “We are thrilled to add Idaho to our states dedicated to end infant abandonment! We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives. We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in crisis.”
Since 2017, 50 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a Baby Box. The National Safe Haven Crisis line has assisted with over 150 handoff surrenders. Each year the numbers increase with more baby boxes available across the country. Surrendered infants are adopted
by families who have registered as foster to adopt. The Local Department of family services coordinates the adoption process.
For more information please contact Monica at monicakelsey@safehavenbabyboxes.com