New Signage Marks EBNHC as Baby Safe Haven

East Boston, MA, April 17, 2012—The Satellite Emergency Facility of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) was officially designated a Baby Safe Haven in 2010. The Safe Haven Act of Massachusetts allows a parent facing the last resort to legally surrender a newborn infant 7 days old or younger at a hospital, police station, or manned fire station without criminal prosecution.

With two new, conspicuous, and brightly colored Baby Safe Haven signs, the health center’s designation as a Baby Safe Haven is communicated even more clearly to the community. The signs are located at the curb across from the entrance to 10 Gove Street, and on the 10 Gove Street building itself, to the right of the entrance.

EBNHC supports healthy families and works to keep families intact. Unfortunately, in some instances new parents are unable to care for an infant and need an immediate solution to a crisis situation. The Safe Haven Act provides a viable alternative to the unsafe abandonment of a newborn that may lead to injury or death.

“The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center’s Satellite Emergency Facility functions as a port in a storm for the community,” said Michael Mancusi, Vice President. “We join staffed fire and police stations and urgent care colleagues from around the city as an officially designated Baby Safe Haven site. Our goal is to be there for parents at the most critical moment they might ever face—when they make the decision to surrender a newborn safely.”

“Our staff has been trained to receive and manage a surrendered infant compassionately and safely. The conspicuous placement of this new signage indicates our Baby Safe Haven designation, and we are honored to assume this crucial role in support of the communities we serve.”

The Safe Haven Act is an amendment to Chapter 119 of the Massachusetts General Laws, section 39.5. The law went into effect on October 29, 2004. More information can be found at www.babysafehaven.com or by calling 866-814-SAFE.

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center has been a vital part of the community for 40 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Winthrop. EBNHC handles 300,000 patient visits per year—more than any other ambulatory care center in New England.