BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. — A dedicated resident of Sullivan County is making waves with her effort to enhance the safety and well-being of newborns and mothers in the area. On April 15, the Sullivan County Commission took a significant step forward by approving the first reading of a proposal to install a Safe Haven Baby Box in the county, thanks to a generous donation up to $20,000 from a passionate local woman.
Commissioner Travis Ward, the resolution’s sponsor, shared that the idea of installing a baby box had been discussed previously but was temporarily put on hold due to concerns about funding and finding an appropriate location. However, the project gained new momentum thanks to Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy, who reignited interest by reaching out to Ward.
“He asked if I was still fired up about a baby box,” Ward explained. “I said I was.”
The renewed effort can be largely attributed to Jessica White of Kingsport, a proactive resident who has raised funds to cover the installation and monitoring of the baby box. White’s passion for Safe Haven Baby Boxes was evident as she briefly addressed the commission.
“I’m very passionate about Safe Haven Baby Boxes,” White stated during the meeting.
These boxes, which provide a secure and legal way for mothers to surrender their newborns, are strategically placed at locations that are monitored around the clock. Common sites include fire stations and emergency medical services buildings. According to White, the efficacy of these boxes is well-documented. “They are proven to work,” she emphasized.
The Tennessee Safe Haven law, enacted in 2001, permits mothers to surrender unharmed babies to designated facilities within two weeks of birth without fear of prosecution. The law was amended in 2022 to legalize the use of baby boxes, paving the way for their installation in places like Knoxville and Erwin.
When a baby is placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box, an alarm promptly alerts emergency personnel to ensure the infant’s swift and secure care. White’s substantial donation would not only cover the box’s installation but also the monitoring fees. Commissioner Ward, along with Glover and Means, expressed their commitment to personally fund the monitoring costs for the initial three years.
The resolution’s next hurdle is its second reading, scheduled for September. However, one significant detail remains unresolved: the location for the box within Sullivan County. Commissioner David Akard voiced his surprise that the county had not already implemented such a crucial facility. “I’m dumbfounded that a box does not already exist in Sullivan County,” Akard remarked.
Safe Haven laws have experienced updates across numerous states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Iowa, Montana, Alabama, Oklahoma, Louisiana, West Virginia, Kansas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Idaho, New Hampshire, and Maryland. Nationwide, there are over 250 active baby boxes, as reported by the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization.
The story illustrates a community coming together to address a vital need. Through the efforts of dedicated individuals like Jessica White, Sullivan County is poised to join other communities in providing a safe and legal means for mothers in distress to surrender their newborns securely.
As for the residents, the potential addition of a Safe Haven Baby Box offers reassurance that their community cares deeply about the lives and well-being of its youngest and most vulnerable members. The project also reflects the compassionate and proactive spirit of Sullivan County, where individuals step up to make a tangible difference.
The commission is expected to take further action in September, solidifying plans to install the baby box and determine its precise location. County officials and residents alike are hopeful that with continued support and collaboration, the Safe Haven Baby Box will soon become an essential resource within their community.
The enthusiasm and dedication of those involved highlight the powerful impact of community-driven initiatives. As the effort moves forward, the story of Sullivan County’s commitment to safeguarding newborn lives will undoubtedly inspire other regions to examine and possibly adopt similar measures.
