Austintown Fire Station to Install Safe Haven Baby Box

Anonymous $25,000 donation allows for new lifesaving service

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:05am

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A highly stylized, abstract illustration composed of repeating neon-colored icons representing a Safe Haven Baby Box, conveying the vital service this lifesaving device provides to the community.An anonymous donation allows a local fire station to install a new Safe Haven Baby Box, providing a discreet, legal option for parents in crisis.Austintown Today

Trustees in Austintown, Ohio have voted to accept an anonymous $25,000 donation to establish a Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station #1. The box allows for the anonymous surrender of newborns, providing a safe, legal option for parents in crisis.

Why it matters

Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a crucial lifeline for parents facing difficult circumstances, preventing infant abandonment and potential tragedy. The donation and installation of this box in Austintown demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting vulnerable families and protecting the lives of newborns.

The details

The Safe Haven Baby Box is a temperature-controlled, climate-controlled device installed at a hospital or fire station that allows a parent to safely, legally and anonymously surrender their newborn baby. The box is equipped with an automatic alarm to notify staff when it is used, ensuring a rapid response to care for the child.

  • Trustees passed the motion to accept the donation and install the box on April 5, 2026.

The players

Monica Deavers

Austintown Trustee who championed the installation of the Safe Haven Baby Box.

Austintown Fire Station #1

The fire station where the new Safe Haven Baby Box will be installed.

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What they’re saying

“When I heard about these safe haven baby boxes, I was like, this is great, this is someone – instead of being scared and alone, that they can put their baby in it and they can be safe. It's safe, legal and they don't have to know who you are...You can be anonymous and the baby is safe.”

— Monica Deavers, Austintown Trustee

What’s next

The Safe Haven Baby Box is expected to be installed at Austintown Fire Station #1 within the next 30 days.

The takeaway

The installation of this anonymous Safe Haven Baby Box in Austintown demonstrates the community's compassion and commitment to providing a safe, legal option for parents in crisis, potentially saving the lives of vulnerable newborns.