‘Safe Haven Baby Box exists for moments like this.’ Newborn receiving care after being safely surrendered

ATOKA, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) – An infant was safely surrendered at a Safe Haven Baby Box at a fire station in Atoka, Tennessee, over the weekend.

It was the first time the Baby Box in that area had been used, officials said. It was unveiled in November 2024.

“It never gets old getting a call from a fire chief stating, ‘Monica we just received a baby in our box!’ Welcome to the world, sweet baby!! We are so thankful you were born,” founder Monica Kelsey said on Facebook.

Each Baby Box has a heating and cooling element to provide comfort to the infant. There are also silent alarms that notify first responders immediately so they can care for the newborn.

Surrendered babies are typically adopted by a family within 30 to 45 days.

Officials with the Department of Child Services conduct interviews to find a home for the newborn.

“This Safe Haven Baby Box exists for moments like this,” Fire Chief Bill Scott said. “Our firefighters responded exactly as trained, and because of this resource, a child is safe and receiving the care they need.”

Safe Haven Baby Boxes offer free medical and counseling resources for the mother, should she need them.

Counseling services are available based on the birth mother’s schedule and are done online via Zoom at no cost.

If you need help finding a Safe Haven location or would like to speak to a licensed counselor, call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.

Women in crisis can call the national 24-hour hotline and receive counseling and assistance free of charge.