In a significant move to support at-risk infants, the City of Prescott hosted its inaugural Safe Haven Baby Box Blessing at Fire Station 71 on Monday. This initiative marks Prescott as the first city in Arizona to offer such a vital service, aiming to provide young mothers in crisis with a safe and anonymous option for surrendering their newborns.
A Compassionate Alternative for Mothers in Crisis
The Safe Haven Baby Box is designed to address the often difficult and painful decisions that young mothers may face when they are unable to care for their newborns. Many mothers in distress seek anonymity when surrendering their infants due to fears of being recognized, societal stigma, or misunderstandings regarding the Safe Haven Law. The introduction of these baby boxes provides a compassionate alternative, allowing mothers to make a choice that prioritizes their child’s safety while maintaining their privacy.
The Safe Haven Baby Box initiative plays a crucial role in preventing the illegal abandonment of newborns, ensuring that infants are surrendered in a manner that is both safe and legal. The boxes are not limited to Prescott residents; they are available for all Arizonans who find themselves in such dire circumstances.
Features of the Safe Haven Baby Box
The Safe Haven Baby Boxes are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including temperature control and multiple alarm systems. These features ensure that first responders can quickly attend to any surrendered infant while allowing the parent sufficient time to leave the area safely. The aim is to create an environment where the surrendering process is seamless and compassionate.
According to Arizona law, a Safe Haven newborn is defined as an unharmed infant who is 30 days old or younger. The infant must be delivered by a parent or the parent’s agent to a designated Safe Haven provider. The presence of Safe Haven Baby Boxes is intended to raise awareness of these laws and provide parents with the resources they need, including a 24/7 hotline for those in crisis.
Accessing Safe Haven Services
For those in need of this service, the Safe Haven Baby Box is located at Fire Station 71, situated at 333 White Spar Road in Prescott. This location serves as a vital resource for mothers who may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their options. The city encourages anyone who is struggling to reach out and utilize this service.
Citywide Changes: Trash Collection Days and General Plan Input
In addition to the Safe Haven Baby Box initiative, the City of Prescott has announced changes to its residential trash and recycling collection days. This adjustment aims to improve efficiency, enhance customer service, and manage the growing number of customers. A notification flyer has been mailed to residents affected by this change, and individuals can check their new collection days by visiting PrescottRecycles.com and using the “What’s my pickup day?” feature.
The city is also seeking public input on the draft 2025 General Plan, a comprehensive land use policy guide that outlines the city’s vision for the next decade. The 60-day public comment period commenced on September 23 and will continue through November 21. Community engagement is crucial in shaping this plan, and the city encourages residents to participate actively.
To facilitate public involvement, an Open House for the General Plan will be held on October 24 at the Prescott Library in the Founder’s Room from 3 PM to 6 PM. City staff and committee members will be available to answer questions and discuss the proposed plan. Additionally, a Virtual Meeting Room has been established on the www.PlanPrescott.com website, allowing residents to provide comments during the 60-day public comment period.
Council Meeting Highlights
During the upcoming 3 PM Council Voting meeting, members will consider approving an increase in Development Impact Fees. The agenda also includes a presentation and discussion regarding the potential hiring of a dedicated Workforce Housing staff member or the engagement of a contract employee or consulting firm. Funding for this position is available through a $200,000 State Housing Trust Fund grant, which allocates $50,000 for a housing needs assessment report and the remaining $150,000 for either a housing manager position or consultant.
Additionally, the Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, October 10, at 9 AM in the Council Chambers. This meeting will be streamed live on Channel 64 and through the city’s social media channels, providing residents an opportunity to stay informed and engaged.
The Pedestrian, Bicycle & Traffic Advisory Committee will convene next Monday at 9:30 AM in the Public Works Conference Room on Virginia Street, further highlighting the city’s commitment to community engagement and public safety.
Public Safety Needs and Proposition 478
As the November General Election approaches, Mayor Phil Goode is providing essential information regarding the city’s public safety needs as they relate to Proposition 478. The funding for public safety services in Prescott is primarily derived from tax revenues, which contrasts with other municipalities in the quad cities that do not maintain dedicated fire and police departments. Consequently, these communities impose higher property taxes to fund their fire services.
Despite these differences, Prescott’s total tax burden remains less than half that of neighboring communities, even after factoring in potential revenues from Proposition 478. Should Proposition 478 pass, all funds generated from this tax will be earmarked exclusively for essential public safety services.
The information provided by Mayor Goode aims to be factual and informative, focusing on the importance of public safety funding without supporting or opposing any specific ballot measures.
Open Houses for Proposition 478
In advance of the election, two remaining Open Houses for Proposition 478 are scheduled. The first will take place on Saturday, October 12, at Fire Station 74 on Smoke Tree Lane from 10 AM to 12 PM. The final Open House will occur on Thursday, October 17, at the Police Department from 6 PM to 8 PM. These events provide an opportunity for the public to tour fire stations and the police station, fostering a deeper understanding of necessary renovations and upgrades.
Mayor Goode expressed gratitude to attendees of previous Open Houses, emphasizing the importance of community interest and participation. For those unable to attend, extensive information about Proposition 478, including copies of Public Open House Information Boards, is available on the ParticipatePrescott.com website. A brief survey is also provided to gather feedback and address any questions or concerns from the public.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Community Welfare
As Prescott moves forward with these initiatives, the city is committed to fostering a supportive environment for families and individuals in need. The introduction of the Safe Haven Baby Box represents a critical step in safeguarding vulnerable infants while empowering mothers to make informed decisions.
Additionally, the city’s ongoing efforts to engage residents in shaping the future through the General Plan and public safety funding initiatives underscore its dedication to community welfare and progress. Mayor Phil Goode will continue to update residents on these matters, with the next update scheduled for October 14.
Prescott stands at the forefront of addressing pressing social issues and enhancing the quality of life for its residents, setting a positive example for other communities in Arizona and beyond.
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