Agenda 10/22/2024 Item #10B (Initiate the process of installing a Safe Haven Baby Box at a County-owned and operated EMS Station)10/22/2024
Item # 10.B
ID# 2024-1639
Executive Summary
Recommendation to authorize staff to initiate the process of installing a Safe Haven Baby Box at a County-owned and
operated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Station and approve any necessary Budget Amendments.
OBJECTIVE: To allow staff to proceed with the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at a County-owned and
operated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Station, ensuring all appropriate agreements are in place and terms are
negotiated.
CONSIDERATIONS: On June 11, 2024, the Board provided direction to prepare an agenda item for consideration to
install a Safe Haven Baby Box. The Baby Box is a climate-controlled safety device provided for under the State’s Safe
Haven Law which is installed on the exterior wall of a public safety facility or hospital. EMS Station 76, located at the
corner of Logan Boulevard and Vanderbilt Beach Road, has been selected for the installation of the pilot Safe Haven
Baby Box.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes is the only organization providing anonymity. They make it possible to safely surrender an
infant with complete anonymity. Illegal abandonments show us that mothers are seeking to keep their identity secret.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes works to rewrite the story by giving mothers and innocent infants a better chance. The
surrendered infant will go through a closed adoption. Furthermore, the birth parents are free from prosecution and know
their infant is safe.
Cost of the Safe Haven Baby Box are outlined below:
• Initial Fee = $15,000.00
• Annual Fee = $500.00 (Certification/Maintenance/Repair)
• Other Fees = $5,000.00 - $7,000.00 (Labor/Delivery/Installation/Alarm Monitoring)
FISCAL IMPACT: Initial setup and installation costs are estimated to range between $20,000 and $22,000. Annual fees
for certification, maintenance, repairs, and alarm monitoring are expected to be approximately $1,000. Reserve funding
is available for this project within the EMS Operating Fund (4050). A budget amendment will be required to allocate
these reserves to EMS Cost Center (144610).
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no impact on the Growth Management Plan.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to form and
legality and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATIONS: To authorize County staff to initiate the process of installing a Safe Haven Baby Box at EMS
Station 76, located at the corner of Logan Boulevard and Vanderbilt Beach Road. Station 76 was chosen due to its
accessibility and to ensure the safety and anonymity of those using the Baby Box and to approve any necessary Budget
Amendments.
PREPARED BY: Chris Hall – Commissioner, District 2
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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