Orange County Fire Rescue’s Fire Chief Otto Drozd III has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation’s A Safe Haven for Newborns.
A Safe Haven for Newborns is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that focuses on diminishing newborn abandonment and abuse through direct assistance, education and community involvement. Orange County ranks as the fourth highest county in the state of Florida for the number of newborns left at Safe Havens.
“I am honored to be joining the Board of Directors of A Safe Haven for Newborns,” said Fire Chief Otto Drozd III. “We see and hear far too many stories about newborn abandonment and abuse throughout Central Florida, and I hope to make a positive impact to help children in need.”
Sharing the responsibilities with seven other board members, Fire Chief Otto Drozd will participate in the planning of fundraising events, meeting annual fundraising goals and growing the mission of Safe Haven throughout Orange County.
“We have 41 fire stations in Orange County, and each of those fire stations is designated as A Safe Haven for Newborns,” said Fire Chief Otto Drozd III. “As a leader in public safety, I want to ensure our community is equipped with necessary tools, information and awareness regarding the safe environments our community offers to prevent the abuse and abandonment of children.”
A Safe Haven for Newborns has saved the lives of more than 225 newborns and has positively impacted more than 5,000 young women. The lifeline of the organization is operated 24/7, and is a multilingual, confidential referral hotline. The hotline is 1-877-767-BABY (2229).
