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Catholic Charities Helps Bring First “Baby Box” to Oklahoma City
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July 6, 2023OKLAHOMA CITY, July 6, 2023 – Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is proud to announce the installation of the first Baby Box in the state of Oklahoma. The Baby Box was unveiled today at Firestation 21, located at 3000 SW 29 Street in Oklahoma City. This significant milestone represents a crucial step forward in protecting the lives of vulnerable infants, while also providing birthparents experiencing unexpected pregnancy with a safe and secure option.
“It takes immense bravery and a great deal of intentionality to carry a baby full-term and surrender it,” said Monica Palmer, senior director of clinical services for Catholic Charities. “Eliminating the face-to-face interaction with fire or hospital employees will reduce some of the shame associated with making those decisions.”
Oklahoma’s existing Safe Haven law allows a mother in crisis to safely and legally surrender their baby to a medical services provider who is 30 days old or younger. While the Safe Haven law provides protection of criminal liability, the Baby Box provides anonymity to the parent and protection for the infant.
The Baby Box, located on the outside of the fire station, is designed to allow a parent in crisis to safely and anonymously surrender their infant to authorities. The boxes are designed with a temperature-controlled environment, proper ventilation and alarm system. Once the door to the Baby Box has been opened, a silent alarm will go off alerting medical personnel an infant has been placed, ensuring their immediate well-being and subsequent placement into appropriate care.
Catholic Charities introduced the concept of the Baby Box to Brett Farley, Executive Director of the Catholic Conference of Oklahoma, three years ago. Farley presented the idea to Senator Greg Treat, who championed the cause. Last year, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 960 into law, legalizing the installation of "baby boxes" in hospitals and other first response facilities.
Among those present alongside Catholic Charities at the event were Monica Kelsey, the Executive Director and Founder of the Safe Haven Baby Box, and Kristy Payne, Executive Director of Fostering Sweet Dreams in Edmond. Payne and her organization raised the necessary funds for the installation of the first Baby Box, showcasing the remarkable dedication and collaborative efforts of the community.
Palmer, who has been with Catholic Charities over 30 years, says the Baby Boxes ensure the safety and well-being of infants who might otherwise face abandonment in unsafe locations.
“Women who make the courageous decision to carry their baby to term are often in need of resources and support during their pregnancy. Catholic Charities offers to walk alongside any birthparent to provide compensation, nonjudgmental case manage services during and after the birth of their baby. We are proud of Oklahoma for taking this significant step towards safeguarding the lives of newborns.”
For more information visit www.ccaokc.org or call (405) 523-3000.###
About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Guided by Catholic teaching, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City serves those in need, regardless of their faith, through transformative, empowering and dignity-affirming social service programs that seek to eliminate material, emotional and spiritual poverty across Central and Western Oklahoma. To learn more, call 405-523-3000, visit ccaokc.org, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
