Sign reading Baby Safe Haven at fire station offering help to those who can not take care of their baby. Community leaders in Arkadelphia hope to install a Safe Haven with financial support from the community. | Heidi Besen/Shutterstock Images
The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Arkadelphia, is proud to announce a meaningful and life-saving project spearheaded by Leadership Clark County Class X, the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box in Arkadelphia.
This initiative, made possible by the collaboration of Leadership Clark County Class X and the City of Arkadelphia, offers a safe, secure, and anonymous option for mothers in crisis who are unable to care for their newborns.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are installed in exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals and are equipped with safety technology that ensures the well-being of the infant. When a newborn is placed inside, the exterior door automatically locks, and a silent alarm alerts medical personnel, who can then retrieve the baby through an interior access door. The box includes a climate-controlled bassinet and redundant safety alarms to guarantee immediate care.
The project was first announced at Leadership Clark County Class X’s graduation on May 15, 2025. Class X member Angela Suttle, who has over 30 years of experience in the medical field, shared her deep passion for this initiative and emphasized the critical role it can play in saving lives.
“Unfortunately, these are true incidents that providers and emergency personnel like me have witnessed,” said Angela Suttle. “There are many reasons infants are abandoned; not all intentions are bad. Sometimes it is the mother’s goal to separate from her child to give hope for a better future.”
In the United States, it is estimated that more than one hundred infants are abandoned each year, and tragically, about one-third of those babies are found deceased. Baby boxes offer a safe, anonymous option for parents in crisis. Their purpose is to protect newborns from harm by preventing unsafe abandonment and ensuring they are placed immediately into care.
Arkadelphia Fire Chief Andy Neel also spoke at the event, expressing the department’s strong support for the program and outlining how fire personnel will be trained and prepared to uphold the responsibilities associated with the Baby Box.
“There are few things more powerful than a community coming together to create a solution for those facing unimaginable decisions,” said Jon Merryman, EVP and Chamber Director of the Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber. “We are incredibly proud of Leadership Clark County Class X for stepping up to lead such a compassionate and impactful project.”
There are currently twenty-nine Safe Haven Baby Boxes installed across Arkansas, operating under the Arkansas Safe Haven Law (Arkansas Code § 9-34-202 et seq.), which permits the anonymous surrender of newborns and provides legal protection for both parents and first responders. Arkansas is one of twenty-one states with legislation that authorizes and supports this life-saving program.
Following discussions with Arkadelphia Fire Chief Andy Neel, Fire Station 2 was selected as the location for the Baby Box. The City of Arkadelphia’s long-term commitment includes an annual $500 maintenance fee and monthly alarm monitoring costs.
On May 20, 2025, the Arkadelphia City Board of Directors officially approved the project. After installation, the Baby Box will undergo seven consecutive days of testing to ensure functionality, with regular weekly alarm checks and daily inspections to maintain cleanliness and system readiness.
“When Leadership Clark County Class X approached us about partnering on this project, we immediately recognized its importance,” said City Manager Gary Brinkley. “Baby Boxes offer a safe, life-saving option for infants while providing hope and support for mothers facing difficult circumstances. We are proud to be one of thirty locations in Arkansas providing this critical resource.”
Leadership Clark County Class X will rely on community support to bring this project to life. The total estimated cost is $30,000. To help fund the initiative, the city plans to apply for a 50% matching grant through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
“You are critical and a crucial part to the success of our goal,” said Angela Suttle. “There are several within the community that have already voiced their financial support of the project, and for that we are grateful. But, let that not deter you from contributing. We will rely on private donors and businesses like yourself. Pray, Support, Donate. Be a voice, be the hands and feet.”
Those wishing to contribute to the Safe Haven Baby Box project can donate by dropping off or mailing a check to the Arkadelphia Community Foundation. Please note “Safe Haven Baby Box” on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to: Arkadelphia Community Foundation, 201 N. 26th Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923, or may be dropped off at the Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber of Commerce, at the same address.
For more information on Safe Haven Baby Boxes, visit https://shbb.org.
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