ANTHONY, New Mexico (KVIA) – Doña Ana County Fire Rescue has unveiled its first Safe Haven Baby Box at Station 42 in Anthony, giving parents a safe, anonymous and legal way to surrender newborns less than 30 days old and marking the 13th installation in New Mexico.
County officials, firefighters and community members gathered Thursday afternoon for a dedication ceremony celebrating what speakers described as a commitment to compassion, action and lifesaving innovation. Officials said the box represents a message that parents in crisis are not alone and that help is always available.
The temperature-controlled and alarm-equipped box is designed to immediately alert emergency personnel when it is opened and used. Once a baby is placed inside, the door locks automatically and cannot be reopened from the outside. Fire personnel are notified, retrieve the infant, provide medical care and transport the child to a hospital…