(Salt Lake City, UT) – Staff of the Utah Department of Health Newborn Safe Haven program are reminding women that their babies are wanted, even if their mothers can’t care for them.
Safe Haven was launched in 2001 to
allow mothers to anonymously drop off their babies at any Utah hospital, no
questions asked, and without fear of criminal punishment.
“It’s a sad day for all of us who
have worked to educate our community about Safe Haven” said program coordinator
Julia Robertson. “But there is hope for the mothers and their babies, so we
encourage anyone struggling with a decision to seek help.”
The Safe Haven hotline number is 866-458-0058 and is
available night and day. More information
is available at www.utahsafehaven.org,
including details on the law, answers to frequently asked questions, and
contact information for hospitals that are open 24/7.
"Child abuse, neglect, and
homicide can be prevented,” said Heidi Valdez, Child Abuse Prevention Program
Administrator, Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). “Crisis and
respite nurseries, parenting classes, family counseling, and in-home services,
are available statewide for all Utahns."
The
mission of the Utah Department of Health is to protect the public's health
through preventing
avoidable illness, injury, disability and premature death, assuring access to affordable,
quality health care, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
