Poison Centers: Here for the Ages

National Poison Prevention Week is observed every year during the third week of March and is dedicated to raising awareness about the work of poison control centers and the availability of the Poison Help Hotline (1-800-222-1222). Since its creation in 1961, Poison Prevention Week has helped educate the public and remains focused on decreasing the number of accidental poisonings.

Who Are Poison Centers For? What Questions Can I Ask?

Everyone! Poisoning can happen to people of all ages. About half of all calls to poison centers are about younger children, but advice is commonly provided for older children, teens and adults. Seniors too – we’re here for all ages!

Babies and toddlers are curious and love to explore their environment, which leads them to get into anything and everything! Poison centers are trained to answer questions about a wide variety of products commonly found around the house – anything from cosmetics to household cleaners.

For teenagers and adults, poison centers can help answer questions about possible side effects of a medication, food and drug interactions, or what to do if an extra dose of a medication is taken by mistake, among many others.

Poison centers also provide guidance in cases of drug abuse, suicide attempts, and occupational/work-related poisonings.

Who Will I Talk to if I Call a Poison Center?

Poison Control Centers are staffed by live pharmacists and nurses who are specially trained and certified to provide information and guidance about exposures to various substances and poisons.

Internet searches about a potential poison may lead to confusing and inaccurate information. When you call the Poison Help Hotline, your call is routed to the closest poison center so that you are always in touch with a local expert who can answer your questions.

When Are Poison Centers Available to Take Calls?

One poison exposure is reported to a U.S. poison center every 12 seconds. Poison centers are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – there is always someone immediately available to take your call. Calling the poison center could save you a trip to the doctor’s office or hospital – the poison center is your best resource in a poison emergency. Add 1-800-222-1222 to your contacts!

What if I Move or Go On Vacation?

You can call the Poison Help Hotline anywhere in the United States – this number never changes. Whenever you call, you will be connected with a local expert.

How Much Does This Cost?

Nothing! Calling the poison center is free and is a public service to the community.

The Central Ohio Poison Center (COPC) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of two poison centers in the state of Ohio and one of 55 centers nationwide. COPC serves 64 of 88 counties in Ohio.