Cole County EMS faces barriers while adding baby box to building
Keriana Gamboa
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Cole County Emergency Services is encountering “unexpected challenges” in adding a new Safe Haven Baby Box to its Adams Street location.
Cole County EMS Chief Eric Hoy said building architects determined the location they want to put the box needs modifications.
“The installation documents from Safe Haven were provided to the building’s architects, who determined that, due to the identified installation location, significant structural, mechanical, and construction modifications would be required,” Hoy said.
The community has raised nearly $28,000 toward installing a Safe Haven Baby Box in Cole County. Of that, more than $15,000 covered manufacturing, shipping and program fees, leaving around $12,000 for installation.
With installation costs estimated at around $19,000, the project could still face a more than $7,000 in funding gap.
House Bill 121, sponsored Republican by state Rep. Jim Murphy, of St. Louis County, will have a $250,000 fund to match private donations for purchasing and installing additional baby incubators.
“If if they’re if they’re putting in a baby box or a rescue box into a facility, the state will share the cost up to $10,000. So it’s there’s no limit as to who can apply. It’s just whoever’s putting them in,” Murphy said.
The bill goes into effect Thursday, Aug. 28.
Hoy told ABC 17 News this project began before HB 121 was passed and was not included in its funding program.
“We are aware of HB 121, and we would certainly explore that as an option to close any potential funding gaps should there be a need,” Hoy said.
Hoy said the department is working to reduce the funding gap and exploring internal solutions before seeking additional private or state funding.
Hoy said GBH Builders is still in the process of developing the final work authorization for this project.
“Therefore, the final cost of the work is still undetermined, and we are unable to determine whether additional funding would be needed,” Hoy said.