Northeast Tennessee’s first Save Haven Baby Box established in Unicoi

The first Safe Haven Baby Box in Northeast Tennessee is now in operation.

Officials in Unicoi County dedicated their $15,000, community-funded safety device at the Emergency Medical Services headquarters.

The temperature controlled baby drawers have no cameras so the mother can have complete anonymity during the process and the door locks from the inside. Once the child is inside, a signal is sent to local 911 centers to prompt a response from first responders. The gear is covered by state law although regulations allow voluntary surrender of babies at local hospitals.

It marks the fourth Baby Box established in Tennessee.

(IMAGE: Official Facebook / J. Erwin / Unicoi County EMS)