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Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent/Nancy Garrison of Carter County EMS shows off the newly installed Safe Haven Baby Box, including its alarm system.

Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent/The opening of Carter County’s Safe Haven Baby Box was recognized during a ceremony Thursday.

Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent/Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby was on hand to thank everyone who worked hard to bring Baby Box #290 to the community.

Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent/CEO and Founder of Safe Haven Baby Box, Monica Kelsey, was on hand to share her personal testimony.

By Ron Marvel

Featured Correspondent

Carter County EMS held an official ceremony Thursday to recognize the installation of the 17th Safe Haven Baby Box in East Tennessee. Deputy Director Nancy Garrison opened the event by recognizing the diligent work of the individuals and organizations who made the project a reality.

“We have many people and organizations to thank for their contributions to making this Baby Box a reality,” Garrison said. Those recognized included volunteer Laverne Craig, whose hard work and perseverance were instrumental, as well as Carter County EMS board members, The Craig Foundation, Ken Page and Crestview Monitoring, Anthony Stevens and Sylvan Inc., the East Tennessee Foundation and Carter County. and Elizabethton city officials.

Craig’s efforts with Knoxville legislators to change Safe Haven laws in East Tennessee led to the opening of the first Safe Haven Baby Box in Knoxville in 2023. Ninety days later, the box received its first baby – a healthy baby boy, still with his placenta. and attached umbilical cord.

Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Box, was on hand to thank those who made the day possible. “We have seen time and time again that preparedness can save and change lives. We never know when or where we will be needed, so having options for mothers in crisis is crucial,” Kelsey said.

Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby also recognized those who dedicated time and financial resources to the project, and Pastor Justin Deaton gave the official blessing of the Baby Box.

According to the Safe Haven website, Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a compassionate and safe option for mothers in crisis who cannot care for their newborns. The boxes, installed on the exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals, feature innovative safety measures, including an automatic exterior door lock and a secure interior door allowing medical personnel to retrieve the infant quickly and safely.

“When they come here, it’s on the side of our building that faces the pond,” Garrison said. “They can go all the way around the building once, going around the front and heading to the left side of the building. It’s well lit. There is a walkway, but there are no cameras. No one is monitoring this area of ​​the building. So they opened the box, placed the baby inside, then closed the door.

Kelsey emphasized the importance of providing options. “We’re not going to tell you what to do,” she said. “We’re not going to tell you what’s best for you. What we will do is tell you what is available in your community, allow you to choose, and then we will accompany you on your journey.

Although the Baby Box can never be used, Carter County EMS has trained for this possibility. Safe Haven Baby Box also offers a 24/7 hotline for mothers in crisis, accessible by call or text at 1-866-99BABY1.