A Safe Haven Baby Box is set to be installed in Batesville, thanks to the efforts of Sulphur Rock Elementary School’s EAST program and its students. The project, which has been three years in the making, was spearheaded by former foster child and now seventh grader, Nora Lu Black, along with her peers and their teacher, Jenine Ottaway.
Batesville Fire Chief Mark McCollum announced the development during a Batesville City Council meeting on Tuesday. He confirmed that funding has been secured for the installation, which will take place at a location to be announced. The installation will be handled by FARCO, with White River Health providing support for the alarm system.
Under Arkansas’s Safe Haven law, parents may anonymously surrender newborns up to 30 days old at designated locations such as 24-hour fire stations, hospitals, or police departments. A Safe Haven Baby Box enhances this option by allowing for private surrender through a secure, climate-controlled unit built into the wall of a staffed building. Once an infant is placed in the box, its exterior door locks automatically, and an interior door allows trained personnel to retrieve the baby quickly and safely. These boxes are now available in several locations across the state, including Searcy, Jonesboro, and Mountain Home, with plans to expand further.
Chief McCollum emphasized the box’s anonymity, as external cameras are not permitted on these installations. "When a parent places their baby inside, they can remain unseen. The goal is to provide a safe and compassionate alternative," he said. McCollum noted that one box recently installed in Arkansas was used successfully in a short timeframe, highlighting the program’s potential impact.
The project originated when Nora Lu, then a third grader, heard about Safe Haven Baby Boxes at her church. As an adopted child herself, the concept resonated deeply. "When I was just 48 hours old, I was placed into foster care," she explained. "If my mom hadn’t known to go to the hospital, this is something I might have needed. I wanted to help other kids have that option."
Nora Lu and her fellow EAST students explored costs, logistics, and community needs before presenting their idea. The approximate cost for the box, including installation and monitoring fees, is $16,000. Fundraising over the years has included QR-coded flyers, radio appearances, and social media campaigns. Additional support came from grants provided by The Alpha Center, a local adoption-focused organization.
Ottaway, the EAST program facilitator, said the project has been a “labor of love” despite numerous obstacles. She praised the dedication of the students, pointing out that Nora Lu even delayed a personal summer camp trip to present the plan to local stakeholders. Former Sulphur Rock classmates Belle Sandlin, Liv Smith, Braylee Winston, and D.J. Goff also contributed to the project. After moving on from Sulphur Rock, Nora Lu continued to stay involved, with Ottaway ensuring she remained informed.
The initiative has come full circle for the Black family. Nora Lu’s adoptive mother, Cassie Black, shared her pride in her daughter’s determination to see the project through. “She’s been passionate about this idea for a long time,” Cassie said. Nora Lu plans to continue advocating for Safe Haven Baby Boxes as she watches the Batesville project take its final steps toward completion.
In other Batesville City Council news, Chief McCollum and Mayor Rick Elumbaugh honored Barry Wilkes of Wilkes Communications for his extensive, volunteer-led efforts to restore the city’s tornado siren system. Thanks to Wilkes’ work, a crucial safety tool is now operational, though residents are encouraged to have multiple emergency preparedness plans in place.
The council also reviewed activity statistics from the Batesville Fire Department for July, which included responses to fires, vehicle accidents, weather-related incidents, and other emergencies. Additional updates regarding city council developments will be shared at a later date.