The Lexington Public Arts Commission meeting on June 3, 2025, featured a significant discussion about the newly installed Safe Haven Baby Box at a local fire station. Chief Wells from the fire department provided insights into this community initiative aimed at providing a safe and anonymous option for parents to surrender newborns.

The Baby Box, which cost approximately $14,000, was funded through local donations and matched by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG). It is designed to ensure the safety of infants by allowing parents to place their newborns inside without any interaction with others. The box is equipped with an alarm system that alerts fire crews when it is opened, ensuring that help is dispatched promptly, regardless of whether the crew is present at the station.

Chief Wells emphasized that the Baby Box is climate-controlled, providing a safe environment for infants regardless of external weather conditions. Importantly, there are no surveillance cameras monitoring the area, aligning with the goal of maintaining the anonymity of parents who may be in desperate situations.

The fire department has established protocols for the care and transportation of surrendered infants, collaborating with local hospitals and social services to ensure the well-being of the child. Although the Baby Box has been operational for a few months, no infants have been surrendered there yet, though similar initiatives in Kentucky have seen successful placements.

The discussion also touched on the potential for expanding the program to other fire stations, contingent on meeting specific installation requirements. Community organizations interested in funding additional Baby Boxes are encouraged to reach out to the fire department for guidance on the process.

Overall, the introduction of the Safe Haven Baby Box represents a proactive step in addressing the needs of vulnerable families and ensuring the safety of newborns in the Lexington community.