OSAGE COUNTY — Osage Ambulance District (OAD) EMS Chief Josh Krull announced on Aug. 28 that the district had received “an incredibly generous anonymous donation of $25,000” toward a $40,000 goal for the purchase and installation of two Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Thanks to that donation and others, they are just $11,540 away from meeting that goal.

OAD began working toward the purchase of Safe Haven Baby Boxes following a June 15 incident in Maries County where an infant was found abandoned in a Walmart bag. They intend to install one box at the Osage Ambulance District Headquarters at 119 South Highway 89 in Linn, and another at Osage Ambulance District Base 3 at 1001 East First Street in Belle.

Each Safe Surrender Box will cost approximately $20,000, which must be collected locally. Donations are being collected and held by Safe Haven Baby Boxes until the project is fully funded. After installation, the Osage Ambulance District will take over annual maintenance.

A Safe Haven Baby Box is a designated location where parents can anonymously and safely leave an infant they are unable or unwilling to care for. The process involves opening the box’s secure door, placing the baby inside, and then closing the door. Once the door is shut, a continuously monitored sensor alerts authorities to retrieve the baby.

This action is permanent and does not negate the rights of the other parent. The newborn must be safe and left with an appropriate professional. Missouri law defines “appropriate professional” as a law enforcement officer (whether on duty or off duty), firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), hospital staff, maternity home staff, pregnancy center staff, a volunteer at a hospital, maternity home or pregnancy center, or any staff in a health care provider position while off duty at a hospital, maternity home or pregnancy center. 

More information about Missouri’s Safe Place for Newborns Law can be found at dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/safe-place-for-newborns.htm. 

To make a donation toward the Osage County boxes, please visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/missourilocations and select “OSAGE COUNTY” to direct your funds to the appropriate project.

Checks made out to Safe Haven Baby Boxes and marked for OSAGE COUNTY can also be mailed directly to Safe Haven Baby Boxes at P.O Box 185, Woodburn IN 46797, or dropped off at Ambulance District Headquarters to be mailed by the district.

Krull said he hopes to be able to fully fund both Safe Haven Baby Boxes before the holiday season. “With your help, we can become the second and third locations in the state of Missouri to offer this crucial resource,” he posted, “Together, we can give every baby a chance at a safe start. Thank you for your continued support!”