'Baby box' installed at Alamogordo emergency center. Here's what to know
The Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center now has a safe surrender "baby box" outside of its emergency department.
The box allows mothers to surrender an infant while remaining anonymous.
Here's what to know about the box and its function.
What is a Safe Haven Law?
The Safe Haven Law allows for a parent to surrender their infant to a safe space legally and anonymously such as a hospital or police station, making them a ward of the state.
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center located at 2669 North Scenic Drive was recently purchased by CHRISTUS health and CEO Jim Heckert said the installation of a safe surrender box aligns with the company's mission.
"The Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center Family is proud to have our Emergency Department bring this service to our community. The mission of Christus Health is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The Safe Haven Baby Box brings life to our mission," Heckert said.
How does the 'baby box' work?
The baby box features three silent alarms to alert first responders that an infant has been surrendered. The infant will be tended to within the first five minutes of being dropped off and transported to the hospital for immediate attention and an evaluation.
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"Safe Haven Baby Boxes feature climate control through heating and cooling features ensuring the infant will be comfortable. Once the infant is placed inside the Baby Box the exterior door locks until the first responders arrive within five minutes," according to the news release by the Safe Haven Baby Boxes program.
The infant is fostered or adopted within 30 to 45 days by families signed up with the foster care system who have the intention to adopt.
Why is it needed?
The Alamogordo "baby box" is one of 183 similar boxes in New Mexico.
In 2023, 15 infants were surrendered, the latest in September when an infant was placed in a box in Hobbs.
In the United States "baby boxes" can be found in Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennesse, Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, Iowa and West Virginia.
The baby box program was started in 2016 by Monica Kelsey who said she was abandoned as an infant. She said her mission is to end infant abandonment and advocate for the Safe Haven Law, according to a news release.
"New Mexico has learned that being prepared for anonymous safe surrender is crucial over being reactionary. They have seen tragedy and earlier this year they saw the investment in the Hobbs Baby Box pay off with a baby surrendered. We are delighted that the Alamogordo community has prioritized this mission to end infant abandonment," Kelsey said.
The Safe Haven Baby Boxes program offers a 24/7 hotline that families in crisis can call with any questions at 1-866-99BABY1. Parents can also visit the Safe Haven website at www.shbb.org.
Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter at @Juan36Corr.
This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Alamogordo emergency center installs new 'baby box'
