Community concern about the activation of a baby box in Richmond in early December was unfounded.
Matthew Cain, director of Wayne County Emergency Management and Emergency Communications, confirmed that the activation was a planned test and demonstration.
Cain said Richmond Fire Department conducted the testing during a podcast recording with Monica Kelsey, CEO and founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
Residents listening in to emergency communications channels then speculated about the activation on social media, which fueled the further spread of inaccurate information.
The baby box is located on the exterior wall near the rear door of RFD’s Station 1, 101 S. Fifth St. It offers parents in crisis a location for safe, anonymous surrender of their newborn.
Leaders of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, which is based in Woodburn, Indiana, say the exterior door locks automatically when a newborn is placed inside. An interior door allows medical personnel to promptly and securely retrieve the baby, ensuring immediate care and protection.
Parents in crisis can text or call a confidential national hotline at 1-866-99BABY1 for more information or support.
A version of this article appeared in the December 17 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.