Karns, Tennessee, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Karns, Tennessee, has unveiled a new Safe Haven Baby Box at the Karns Fire Department on Campbell Station Road, the third of its kind in Knox County. This initiative aims to provide a secure, anonymous option for parents in crisis to surrender their infants safely. Local officials, including State Representative Jason Zachary, celebrated the facility’s opening during a dedication ceremony. The Safe Haven law, which allows parents to surrender newborns without legal repercussions, has already resulted in over 40 infants being surrendered in Tennessee through similar initiatives.
Karns, Tennessee has welcomed a new Safe Haven Baby Box at the Karns Fire Department, which is located on Campbell Station Road. This installation marks the third baby box in Knox County and contributes to the total of 24 Safe Haven Baby Boxes across the state of Tennessee. The new facility aims to provide a secure option for parents in crisis who need to surrender their babies safely and anonymously.
A dedication ceremony for the new baby box was held on Tuesday afternoon, attended by local officials, including State Representative Jason Zachary. During the event, Representative Zachary expressed gratitude to firefighters for their ongoing support in establishing these facilities, which play a critical role in the community.
The addition of this baby box follows the opening of another in Kingsport on August 29, located at a fire station at 3017 S. John B. Dennis Highway. That box too offers parents an option to surrender their infants in a safe environment without fear of legal repercussions.
In Tennessee, over 40 babies have been surrendered through the Safe Haven Baby Boxes to date. These initiatives are part of a larger movement, with a total of 369 Safe Haven Baby Box locations nationwide. These locations aim to combat the issue of infant abandonment and provide a safe haven for vulnerable parents.
The Safe Haven law, which permits parents to legally surrender their newborns at designated facilities, is crucial in addressing the needs of individuals in crisis situations. The operation of these baby boxes is designed to be easy to access, allowing parents to securely place their babies inside and notify the appropriate authorities for immediate care.
For those seeking more information, a comprehensive list of Safe Haven facilities in Tennessee is available on a dedicated website, making it easier for individuals in need to locate nearby resources.
Background Context
The concept of Safe Haven Baby Boxes started as a response to the heartbreaking circumstances of abandoned infants. These boxes provide anonymity and are staffed by trained personnel who ensure the safety and health of the surrendered babies. The initiative has gained traction throughout the United States, with an impressive number of locations being set up to address this pressing social issue.
FAQ
What is a Safe Haven Baby Box?
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure location where a parent in crisis can safely surrender their baby anonymously without legal repercussions.
Where is the new Safe Haven Baby Box located in Knox County?
The new Safe Haven Baby Box is located at the Karns Fire Department on Campbell Station Road.
How many Safe Haven Baby Boxes are there in Tennessee?
There are a total of 24 Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the state of Tennessee.
How many babies have been surrendered through Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Tennessee?
Over 40 babies have been surrendered through the Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Tennessee.
How many Safe Haven Baby Box locations are there nationwide?
There are 369 Safe Haven Baby Box locations throughout the United States.
Where can I find more information about Safe Haven facilities in Tennessee?
A complete list of Safe Haven facilities in Tennessee can be accessed through a designated website.
Key Features of Safe Haven Baby Boxes
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Karns Fire Department, Campbell Station Road, Knox County |
| State Total | 24 Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Tennessee |
| Babies Surrendered | Over 40 babies in Tennessee |
| Nationwide Total | 369 Safe Haven Baby Box locations |
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knox County Safe Haven Baby Box
- WATE: List of Safe Haven Baby Boxes in East Tennessee
- Knox News: Knox County Trustee Appearance
- Your Ohio News: Senior Conversations Legacy Sharing
- WSBT: Safe Haven Baby Box in Knox
- Wikipedia: Safe Haven Law
- Google Search: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
- Google Scholar: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safe Haven Law
- Google News: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
