The City of Prescott is the first city in Arizona to install a Safe Haven Baby Box, a spot where parents can drop off a newborn anonymously without fear of prosecution.
It’s located at Prescott Fire Department’s Station 71 on White Spar Road and is available 24 hours a day.
The temperature-controlled boxes have an alarm that immediately alerts dispatch when a baby is placed inside, and on-duty firefighters are alerted.
They typically cost about $20,000 and have grown in popularity nationwide in recent years.
The initiative is a collaboration between the city and the Prescott fire and police departments, as well as Safe Haven and Ridgeline Builders.
Officials say it’s a “crucial step” in providing a safe option for mothers in difficult circumstances.
