A crowd gathered at the Franklinton fire station last Tuesday evening to officially bless the newly installed Safe Haven baby box.
Baby boxes are secure, climate-controlled devices installed at places like fire stations and hospitals. Because of Louisiana’s Safe Haven Law, parents can anonymously surrender a newborn up to 60 days old without fear of prosecution, assuming the child has not been harmed.
Once a newborn is placed inside, the exterior door automatically locks and emergency personnel are immediately alerted so the child can receive medical attention and care.
The boxes were designed to provide a compassionate solution that protects both infants and struggling parents during moments of desperation and crisis.
The box at the Franklinton Fire Station is the third one in Louisiana and the 488th box in the nation.
Attending the blessing were local citizens, pastors, and elected officials. A special thanks was offered to state Sen. Beth Mizell, who assisted greatly in getting the box installed.
Franklinton Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle served as Master of Ceremonies at the Blessing, and he also received thanks for helping to make the local baby box happen.
Local citizens who donated were credited with providing the funds for the installation.
Organizers said the hope is that the baby box will never be needed, but if it is, Franklinton will step up so that a parent in crisis who is out of options now has one --- an option that is safe, legal, and anonymous.
Also speaking at the blessing were state Rep. John Wyble, Parish President Ryan Seal, and Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp.
