Alaska Becomes 27th State to Authorize Baby Boxes

Alaska Governor signed legislation on September 9 that will allow infant safety devices, including Safe Haven Baby Boxes, under the state’s Safe Haven surrender law. The legislation makes Alaska the 27th state to authorize Baby Boxes, expanding safe surrender options for parents in crisis.

Juneau, Alaska, 9/16/26: Safe Haven Baby Boxes is celebrating Alaska’s becoming the 27th state to authorize baby boxes following Governor Mike Dunleavy’s signing of Senate Bill 9 on September 9, 2026. The legislation expands the state’s Safe Haven law to include infant safety devices, opening the door for another option for parents in crisis.

With the legislation signed, the organization is now seeking Alaska fire departments and community partners ready to take the next step toward bringing Baby Boxes to the state.

“We are honored to welcome Alaska into the Baby Box family,” said Monica Kelsey. “Thank you to Governor Dunleavy, the legislators who moved this bill forward, and every advocate and community member who helped lay the groundwork. Your commitment is helping create another path to safety for parents and newborns.”

Safe Haven Baby Boxes extends special thanks to Senator Robb Myers, who sponsored Senate Bill 9, and Representative Frank Tomaszewski, who carried the bill in the House, along with the legislators who supported its passage. Their leadership helped advance an additional safe surrender option for Alaska families.

The organization also recognizes the advocates, first responders, volunteers, and community members whose work helped make this milestone possible. Building awareness, starting conversations, and bringing people together are essential steps toward making safe surrender resources accessible.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes currently has 470 Baby Boxes across the United States, and its national crisis hotline has received more than 10,000 calls. Beyond installations, the organization provides crisis support, education, and first responder training to help communities support parents and protect newborns.

Baby Boxes are designed to provide a secure surrender option at designated facilities. Installed in an exterior wall, each Safe Haven Baby Box has an exterior door that locks automatically when a newborn is placed inside and an interior door that allows responders to retrieve the infant from within the building.

How You Can Help Bring Baby Boxes to Alaska

Safe Haven Baby Boxes is inviting Alaska fire chiefs, fire departments, and local leaders to connect with the organization about hosting a Baby Box. Interested partners can learn about the installation process, discuss their facility, and explore training and community education resources.

Community members, churches, businesses, and civic organizations can also help by introducing the effort to local departments, connecting potential sponsors, and supporting fundraising for future installations.

“Signing the law is a milestone worth celebrating, but our work in Alaska is just beginning,” Kelsey said. “Now we need fire stations willing to host Baby Boxes and communities willing to help make those installations possible. Reach out to us. Together, we can turn this legislation into a resource that is there when a parent needs it most.”

To discuss bringing a Safe Haven Baby Box to a community, contact pam@safehavenbabyboxes.com  or fill out this form https://forms.monday.com/forms/743625cee66080918418cc263f4f352f?r=use1 

About Safe Haven Baby Boxes

Safe Haven Baby Boxes is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing illegal infant abandonment and supporting parents in crisis. Through Baby Box installations, a national crisis hotline, Safe Haven education, and first responder training, the organization works to protect newborns and connect parents with compassionate support. Parents in crisis can call or text 1-866-99BABY1, available 24/7.

Media Contact

Safe Haven Baby Boxes
shbb@SafeHavenBabyBoxes.com