A Safe Haven baby box has been installed at the South Bend Fire Station on Bendix Drive.

It’s the 76th such box in the state of Indiana. The box is available to serve parents in crisis who need a resource to safely surrender their infant anonymously.

The baby box is a sophisticated device including climate control and an alarm system that ensures the infant will be attended to within five minutes.

A gentle light illuminates the hospital-grade bassinet covered in blankets. When an infant is placed inside the box a silent alarm is triggered and first responders rush to retrieve the newborn.

Fourteen infants have been placed in Baby Boxes in the last three years.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes was founded by Monica Kelsey, who was abandoned as an infant.

Prior to founding Safe Haven Baby Boxes, she served her community as a firefighter and medic.