Baby Box Dedicated

A large crowd of onlookers attended the dedication and opening of the first Safe Haven Baby Box in Breathitt County on Monday, April 13.

“This is for the person who needs help,” Jackson Mayor Laura Thomas said as she welcomed the crowd of officials and the public to the ceremony.

“I hope we never use it,” she said.  “But it is here if we need it.”

The box was recently installed in the back of the Jackson Police Department on Sycamore Street near the South Jackson Bridge.

Officials said that the Jackson location marked the 428th Safe Haven Baby Box in the nation and the 64th in Kentucky.

The Safe Haven Baby Box organization is committed to “expanding access to safe, anonymous surrender options for mothers in crisis.”

Thomas thanked those who worked to make the box a reality, especially Jessica Ritchie.

“She did all the legwork,” Thomas said.  “She did not just ask why not, she made this happen.”

Ritchie said the effort started many years ago and was the work of many people who donated and worked. 

“The Lord truly provided,” she told those gathered.

The ceremony was described as a blessing event and was punctuated by a song by Justina Salyers.

Pastor Jeremy Sheffel and KMBC President Rob Pocai offered words and scriptures of blessing and encouragement to mark the completion of the effort.

The Safe Haven Baby Box organization expressed its appreciation to the City of Jackson, Mayor Laura Thomas, Police Chief Brian Haddix, Fire Chief Chase Deaton, County Judge Executive Jeff Noble, and the members of the Breathitt County Fiscal Court for their support in the project.

Ritchie offered a special thank you to all of those “who donated and contributed funds, time, labor, and prayers into bringing this baby box to our community. 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.”

“This box is for mothers who are afraid or scared,” one official said.  “We pray that it is never opened, but also pray for grace for mothers who are faced with this type of decision.”

The box, now fully activated, allows mothers to voluntarily and anonymously surrender a child without question, similar to laws currently in effect at police and fire stations. 

When the box’s door is open and closed, an alarm is sent to multiple sources, alerting them to the presence of a child inside. 

The Jackson City Council recently adopted procedures and policies to ensure the safety of the surrendered child.