Lake Ozark To Receive Safe Haven Baby Box For Anonymous Infant Surrenders

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — A second Safe Haven Baby Box will be installed in the Lake area this fall, allowing mothers who are unable or unwilling to care for babies up to 45 days old to give up their child.

State Representative Jeff Vernetti, who spearheaded the first box at the Mid-County Fire Protection District, personally raised over $17,000 from the Osage Nation to fund the acquisition and installation of the second box at the Lake Ozark FPD.

"Our commitment to the Lake of the Ozarks extends far beyond economic development and entertainment," said Kimberly Pearson, CEO of Osage Casinos. "Being a good neighbor means investing in the health, safety, and well-being of the communities we serve."

Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a secure, anonymous, and temperature-controlled environment for parents in crisis to safely surrender newborns up to 45 days old, in accordance with Missouri's Safe Haven law. When a baby is placed in the box, an alert is immediately sent to first responders, ensuring prompt medical care.

"The donation of this Safe Haven Baby Box reflects our belief that every child deserves a chance, and that families should have access to safe, compassionate resources during times of crisis," Pearson added. "We are proud to support the first responders and community leaders who work every day to protect and strengthen the Lake area."

Jerry Blomberg, the Lake Ozark Fire Chief, said they are excited to work on this initiative with Rep. Vernetti and the Osage Nation.

"The Safe Haven project will provide a better alternative to protect the most vulnerable citizens in a difficult time for a parent," Blomberg said. "While we already serve as a location to meet this need, this allows the District to more completely meet [it], allowing a truly anonymous surrender of an infant, and allows us to serve that need when crews are working with other incidents."

Otto Construction will donate labor and services to install the baby box in Lake Ozark. "[We are] happy to participate in this amazing project, and we remain dedicated to the betterment of the entire Lake of the Ozarks community," owner Tony Otto shared.

This is the 15th box in Missouri, and will help serve Camden and Miller counties. The first local box, installed in Camdenton, will be operational this summer.

"It is truly an honor to be able to once again work with area fire protection officials and business professionals to provide another potentially life-saving tool for our community," said Vernetti, R-Camdenton. "Our Lake of the Ozarks community is always so generous with their talents and treasures—they always seem willing to step forward and help, especially when it comes to protecting the lives of the innocent."

For more information about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, visit www.shbb.org.