Gilmer County Approved for Safe Haven Baby Box, Donations Sought for Installation

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. — Gilmer County has received approval to move forward with the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box, providing another option for the safe and confidential surrender of infants in the community.

Gilmer County Fire Rescue Chief Sam West announced the approval, saying the department is supporting efforts to bring the resource to the county.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are designed to provide a secure and confidential location where an infant can be legally surrendered in accordance with applicable Safe Haven laws. The system allows the infant to be promptly received and cared for by trained personnel.

With approval secured, officials are now turning to the community for help funding the installation.

According to West, the project will rely on donations from residents, businesses, churches, civic organizations and other community partners. Contributions of any size are being accepted to help bring the project to completion.

“If this box is needed even once and provides a safe option that protects the life of an infant, it will have served an important purpose in our community,” West said in the announcement.

Gilmer County Fire Rescue is encouraging community members who are able to contribute and to share information about the project with others.

Once installed, the Safe Haven Baby Box will add another resource in Gilmer County intended to provide a safe option for the surrender and immediate care of an infant.