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Two New State Safe Haven Laws

As we approach the end of the year we’re taking a look at two state laws set to go into effect next year.

Brock Owens spoke with those that will be affected by these laws including First Responders and Urgent Care Facilities.

In emergency situations responders are running toward the incidents others are running away from.

West Hills Fire Chief Kevin Schrock says these situations can effect first responders in different ways but for some it can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“It can be somewhat challenging to try to diagnose those kind of things if someone’s not really coming out and telling you.”

But responders across Pennsylvania will be able to apply for compensation with a law coming into affect in 2025.

Schrock says mental health concerns are getting paid attention to more now than years ago and says he’s glad to see this law coming to help some first responders get assistance.

“That’s obviously huge being able to get the treatment and heal from whatever event, you know whatever injury they’re suffering from. But now, instead of maybe holding it in, not talking about it, just somewhat dealing with it
until the point where they can’t deal with it anymore, they don’t have to do that.”

Also the Pennsylvania Safe Haven Law which has been in effect for more than 20 years will see an update in the new year.

The law gives parents a safe and legal way to abandon their baby at a Hospital, Police Station or Emergency Services Station within 28 days of the newborns birthday.

But the law is now being updated to include Urgent Care providers in that.

“Urgent cares are traditionally in easily accessible locations and have trained medical staff that can act as safe haven sites.”

Zajdel says he does not believe the law change will cause negatives for urgent cares.

“I think urgent cares are well suited for this task. We are familiar with the local child protective services. The bottom line is safety for the newborn and reducing the stigma for the parent, so providing this ease of convenience hopefully helps facilitate that.”

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