CULLMAN, Ala. – Local leaders and community members gathered Thursday, Jan. 15, at Cullman Fire Rescue Station No. 3 to bless and officially open a Safe Haven Baby Box, marking the city’s newest resource for parents in crisis seeking a safe and anonymous way to surrender an infant.
The box is located at the fire station at 1920 Butler St. NW and is one of 407 Safe Haven Baby Boxes nationwide, the 19th in Alabama. The program is operated by Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a nonprofit founded to prevent infant abandonment and provide secure surrender options.
Jessi Getrost, representing Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said the Cullman location reflects the organization’s continued expansion across the country. More than 70 infants have been safely surrendered nationwide through baby boxes, and the 24/7 National Crisis Hotline has assisted with more than 186 in-person hand-off surrenders. The organization currently operates in 23 states.
Officials said while they hope the box is never needed, it provides a critical safety net. Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Darren Peeples said the box gives mothers in crisis an alternative that prioritizes an infant’s well-being.
Once the exterior door is opened, an alarm is triggered, alerting first responders. The door locks after the infant is placed inside, preventing access from the outside. Firefighters and paramedics respond immediately, assess the infant and transport the baby to the emergency department for medical evaluation. Information provided to parents reassures them that their child has been safely received and cared for.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs thanked city leaders, first responders and advocates for bringing the project to completion.
In addition to the boxes, Safe Haven Baby Boxes operates a confidential 24/7 National Crisis Hotline at 1-866-99BABY1 that offers support and information to parents considering safe surrender options.
The Cullman box is now available to serve the city and surrounding areas, providing a “no shame, no name and no blame” option designed to ensure every baby has the opportunity for a safe and healthy future.
Get more information about Safe Haven Baby Boxes at www.shbb.org.
