By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
As a Houston County murder case involving the death of a newborn moves closer to trial, Ozark Fire and Rescue has chosen to remind the community that safe, legal alternatives exist for parents facing an overwhelming crisis.
A judge recently set a new trial date in the case of a Dothan teenager charged in connection with the death of her newborn after allegedly placing the infant in a dumpster. The case has drawn statewide attention and renewed conversations about infant safety and the importance of awareness surrounding Safe Haven resources.
Ozark Fire and Rescue released a public reminder on social media emphasizing that no one facing a crisis has to feel alone or without options. The department pointed to the Safe Haven Baby Box located at Fire Station 3, 100 Mixon School Road in Ozark. The baby box has been available to the community since June 24, 2024.
“There have been too many heartbreaking stories involving newborns who were never given a chance,” the department stated. “For anyone facing an overwhelming situation, there are safe, legal, and anonymous options to protect a newborn’s life.”
The Safe Haven Baby Box allows a parent to safely and anonymously surrender an infant at any time, day or night. Once a baby is placed inside the secure box, an alert system immediately notifies first responders, allowing the child to receive medical care without delay. Fire officials stressed that the process is judgment-free, with no questions asked and no identifying information required.
In addition to baby boxes, Alabama’s Safe Haven law provides multiple legal options for parents who are unable to reach a box. Under the law, a parent may surrender an unharmed newborn to hospital staff, emergency medical personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, or any other first responder. Doing so protects the parent from criminal prosecution related to abandonment, as long as the child is safely relinquished.
Fire officials said that information is especially important for those in urgent or unpredictable situations.
“Help is always available.” Ozark Fire and Rescue stated that the Safe Haven resources are designed to offer compassion and immediate care, providing parents with a moment of hope during an extremely difficult time.
“Choosing safety gives every baby a chance,” the statement read.
Officials also encouraged residents to share information about Safe Haven options with friends, family members, and young people, noting that awareness can save lives. Additional confidential support is available through the Safe Haven Baby Boxes Crisis Line at 1-866-99BABY1, which operates 24 hours a day.
Currently, there is a Safe Haven Baby Box at the following nearby locations:
Ozark Fire Station #3 100 Mixon School Rd., Ozark, AL 36360
Enterprise Fire Department 301 Plaza Drive, Enterprise, AL 36330
Dothan Fire Station 3 1502 Whatley Dr., Dothan, AL 36303
Dothan Fire Station 10 2223 West Main St., Dothan, AL 36301
As the Dothan case proceeds through the courts, officials hope that the renewed focus on Safe Haven laws and resources will help prevent future tragedies and remind the community that no one has to face a crisis alone.
