COAL TOWNSHIP - "Kids are always listening," said Jim Kelley, Northumberland County Coroner.
Kelley was referring to his granddaughter and her questions regarding the news report about a baby who lost its life allegedly at the hands of the father who couldn't afford to take care of the child.
"My granddaughter, Elyse, is so insightful for her age," added Kelley. "She listened to the story and came to me and asked questions about hospitals being designated Safe Havens for newborns. So we sat and talked about it until she understood it."
Kelley noted it wasn't easy to discuss this subject with Elyse, since he experienced this scenario firsthand 10 years ago while serving in
the county coroner's office with the "Baby Mary" case. "This was a difficult one to talk about because I will never forget the 'Baby Mary' case," he said. "It ripped at my heart and that's why I fully support hospitals as Safe Havens for newborns."
Known as the Newborn Protection Act of 2003, Safe Haven states that a parent may safely leave a newborn baby at a Pennsylvania hospital without being criminally liable as long as the baby is no older than 28 days and is unharmed.
According to Alissa Snyder, director of social services for Shamokin Area Community Hospital (SACH), Safe Haven offers options for girls who are pregnant or who have just given birth. "Safe Haven is a 'no questions asked' initiative," she said. "No one will pass judgment, asks questions, or talk about your baby. You do not need to give your name or address. However, if there is any medical information regarding the baby that we need to know about, we will be prepared to take this information so we can care for the baby properly."
SACH is a Safe Haven and has policies on safeguarding newborns left at the hospital should the need ever arise, which Kelley was familiar with.
"During our conversation about Safe Haven, Elyse asked me if we could do something to help our local hospital, SACH, in case a baby was left there," added Kelley. "My wife made a call to the hospital and then Elyse and I went on a shopping trip. I just followed her lead. She had something special in mind."
"It was such a thoughtful and generous gesture," said Snyder. "Mr. Kelley, his granddaughter and family donated a bassinet, diapers, plush toys and nursery accessories to SACH so that we could have an official designated spot for a Safe Haven drop-off, which is now located in our emergency department."
"My wife Pattie and I are so proud of Elyse, as are her mom and dad, Kristy and Jim," said Kelley. "We hope it never has to be used, but it's there now just in case."
Girls who are not ready to be a mom, who are afraid to tell anyone their pregnant, or who don't know what to do with their newborn may call 1-866-921-SAFE to speak to someone about the Safe Haven program. All calls are confidential. The Safe Haven website can also be accessed at www.secretsafe.org.
Snyder again emphasized the fact that SACH is a Safe Haven for newborns. "SACH is a Safe Haven," she said. "We are here to deliver compassionate care and comfort - no questions asked."