SANTA FE – Local governments in New Mexico are eligible for $10,000 grants from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) for Surrender Safety Devices. DFA is currently providing grants on a rolling basis until the state reaches the funding cap of $330,000. 

In October 2023, Gov. Lujan Grisham approved $330,000 in funds for local governments to plan, design, construct, equip, and install surrender safety devices for their communities. 

“Surrender safety devices have the potential to save the lives of infant children and be a crucial resource for local communities,” said DFA Cabinet Secretary Wayne Propst. “While it may be hard to fathom circumstances where an individual would need to relinquish a baby, these devices can help minimize the severity of such scenarios. We’re encouraging local governments to utilize the grants.”

Surrender Safety Devices are critical assets for communities that allow an individual to safely and legally surrender an infant child. A surrender safety device is installed on an exterior wall of a designated fire station or hospital.

It has an exterior door that automatically locks upon placement of a newborn inside the surrender safety device and an interior door that allows a medical staff member to secure the surrendered newborn from inside the designated building.  

To request funding, local governments should send a letter requesting the grants to Jeannette Gallegos, Local Government Division Deputy Director via email at Jeannette.Gallegos@dfa.nm.gov or mail to 407 Galisteo St., Santa Fe, NM 87501. 

These funds are limited, so local entities are encouraged to apply immediately.