State dedicates $250,000 to grants for Safe Haven Baby Boxes

• Posted Date: 08/23/2024
• Office: All DFA
• News:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 23, 2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Scott Hardin, DFA

501-352-9351, [email protected]

State dedicates $250,000 to grants for Safe Haven Baby Boxes

Arkansas hospitals, law enforcement organizations and fire departments eligible

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (August 23, 2024) - The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) today announced a $250,000 grant program for organizations to implement a Safe Haven Baby Box.

The Arkansas Safe Haven law allows delivery of a child who is thirty days old or younger to a medical provider, law enforcement agency, fire department, or medical provider staff member. The child may be left in a designated safety device that is voluntarily installed by the organization. The Safe Haven Baby Box Grant provides funding to eligible organizations to assist with the costs associated with implementing a Safe Haven Baby Box.

"My administration is committed to supporting mothers and babies, especially in their most vulnerable moments," said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. "This grant program will provide resources and give struggling new moms safe options that help build a culture of life in Arkansas. I applaud local communities who are investing in this program and partnering with the state."

Eligible organizations for the grant include city and county hospitals with an emergency room, law enforcement agencies and fire departments.

Applications will be accepted beginning in September. There is not a deadline to apply as the program will remain open to receive applications on an ongoing basis.

"This grant program is one more way Governor Sanders is ensuring the health and safety of Arkansas' youngest and most vulnerable citizens," said DFA Secretary Jim Hudson. "We encourage eligible organizations across the state to consider pursuing this funding. The Safe Haven program saves lives, and we are proud to support it."

The application will be available at Intergovernmental Services | Department of Finance and Administration (arkansas.gov).

Additional information regarding the Arkansas Safe Haven program is available at Arkansas Safe Haven - Arkansas Department of Human Services.

DFA's Intergovernmental Services Division will administer the grant. Those with questions can email [email protected].

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.