Safe Haven Baby Boxes and the Arkadelphia Fire Department announce the blessing and official unveiling of the newest Safe Haven Baby Box, located at AFD Station #2, 124 N. 26th St., Arkadelphia. The ceremony will take place Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 1 p.m.
The blessing marks the 445th Safe Haven Baby Box in the nation and the 36th in Arkansas, expanding access to safe, anonymous surrender options for mothers in crisis.
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a climate-controlled, secure device installed in the exterior walls of designated fires stations and hospitals, allowing a parent to legally and anonymously surrender an unwanted newborn without facing prosecution under Safe Haven laws. Opening the door triggers a silent alarm, immediately alerting emergency dispatchers and on-duty personnel that a newborn has been placed in the box. From there, firemen retrieve the infant from the secure door inside the building, evaluate the child and transport it to the hospital.
Following a medical exam, the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Family Services takes custody of the child and places it in a foster or pre-adoptive home.
The AFD Save Haven Baby Box is a project undertaken by a previous Leadership Clark County class.
“We would like to give a special thank‐you to Arkadelphia Alliance, Leadership Clark County, and the City of Arkadelphia, who poured their hard work, heart, and dedication into bringing this Baby Box to our community,” the Save Haven Baby Boxes organization said in a news release. “Your commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring families have safe options has made a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for your efforts in making this life‐saving resource a reality.”
The public is encouraged to attend this community event and learn more about how Safe Haven Baby Boxes help protect vulnerable infants and support parents who choose a safe, legal alternative in moments of crisis.
CLICK HERE for more information about the Safe Haven program in Arkansas.