Bloomington Fire Department Expands Safe Haven Baby Box Access

The Bloomington Fire Department has launched a new Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station #2, enhancing options for parents to surrender infants safely and anonymously. Funded by a $10,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, this initiative aims to reduce the risk of infant abandonment. The previously closed Baby Box at Fire Station #1 has reopened following repairs from significant flooding in 2021. Community EMT Trisha Rademachir highlighted the necessity of raising public awareness about safe surrender options for distressed parents. A blessing ceremony featuring prominent local officials is scheduled for June 11, 2025, to celebrate this important community resource.

Fire Chief Roger Kerr noted that this expansion marks a compassionate step toward safeguarding vulnerable newborns. The Safe Haven Law protects parents from legal repercussions when surrendering infants in this manner, ensuring immediate care by trained personnel. This initiative not only benefits residents of Bloomington but also families in surrounding counties, improving access to critical resources.