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Central Ohio Poison Center
Department Highlights
Central Ohio Poison Center
Nationwide Children's Hospital
700 Children's Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43205
Phone: (614) 355-0435 (Administration)
Fax: (614) 355-0455
Poison Emergency Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
Medical Director: |
Marcel J. Casavant, MD FACEP FACMT |
Managing Director: |
S. David Baker, PharmD, DABAT |
Educator: |
Erika Malis |
Brief Description of Central Ohio Poison Center: |
Since 1958, the Central Ohio Poison Center has provided the people of central and southeastern Ohio with state-of-the-art poison assessment and treatment, poison prevention and medication information. Certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers as one of the nation’s 61 regional centers, the Central Ohio Poison Center handles over 116,000 poison exposure calls and calls requesting poison or medication information annually. Pharmacists and nurses, who are Nationally Board-Certified Specialists in Poison Information, staff the poison center and are supervised by a Board-Certified Medical Toxicologist. The poison center’s services are used by the public, health care professionals (first responders, hospital-based and community physicians and personnel), industry and human services agencies. |
Clinics & Ambulatory Services: |
Community Resource Program |
Services Available: |
National Poison Hotline |
Recommended Links: |
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Educational Resources for Health Professionals: |
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Miscellaneous Information: |
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Fast Facts: |
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Department Highlights
Central Ohio Poison Center, Columbus, OH
Poison Emergency: 1-800-222-1222
This national poison emergency hotline number connects callers to the closest/local poison center. Ohio residents are serviced by one of the 3 regional poison centers located in Cleveland, Cincinnati or Columbus.
The Central Ohio Poison Center also offers assistance to the hearing impaired (T.T.Y.): 1-866-688-0088.
Call the Poison Center first! If a person is unconscious, call 911.
What is the nationwide poison center number?
All regional poison centers in the United States will be accessed via 1-800-222-1222. When you call the number, you will reach one of the three Ohio Poison centers, located in Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Columbus.
Who will answer the phone when you call?
Health care professionals including pharmacists, nurses or physicians staff the Central Ohio Poison Center. Most of them have passed a special certification exam classifying them as certified specialists in poison information (CSPI). They are local experts who know the community and are trusted by local doctors, pharmacists, paramedics and nurses to provide the best information on poison-related questions and treatments.
Why is it important to support poison centers?
In December 1993, members of an Oregon family suffered severe respiratory symptoms after using a new type of leather cleaning spray. An alert poison control center director notified colleagues nationally and set in motion a response to the potential crisis. Within four hours, the manufacturer had voluntarily recalled the aerosol cleaner and stores throughout the country were directed to remove the product from their shelves. For over 20 years, poison control centers have prevented or restricted public health catastrophes such as the leather spray episode. However, dwindling support from state and local government, as well as financial pressure on hospitals, have forced many poison control centers to close.
Who should we thank for making this possible?
United States Senator Mike DeWine recognized the value of poison centers and lead the effort to enact "The Poison Center Enhancement and Awareness Act," which was passed into law in 1999.
If you would like to contribute to the Central Ohio Poison Center, please visit our Foundation to Make a Gift. Thank you!
If you need to have a medication identified or want to obtain more information about your medication, please contact your pharmacist or visit www.Drugs.com. This site is an accurate, comprehensive and current online source of drug information, providing free and independent advice on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural products.
Read our 2008 Annual Report to learn about the programs we offer and the 50th Anniversary of the Central Ohio Poison Center.
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This information on this Web site is provided as a courtesy of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. It is designed for locating information on a specific physician or service related to Nationwide Children's Hospital and should not be used to obtain medical advice or diagnostic treatment. The physicians listed within this Web site have voluntarily enrolled to participate within this free service. If you feel your child has a health problem, please consult your medical professional. Any links on the Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio Web site are not recommendations or endorsements of any products or services.
