The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) applauds House and Senate passage of the domestic priorities and international assistance appropriations minibus, H.R. 1865. H.R.1865 reauthorizes federal funding for the nation’s 55 poison control centers through FY 2024. Federal dollars comprise approximately 15% of funding for poison control centers, an important source to keep poison control centers’ vital services free of charge and open 24/7/365.
Poison control centers provide real-time poison exposure and information services. Centers also serve a critical public health role after natural disasters as well as for dangerous exposures to substances as diverse as e-cigarettes, liquid laundry packets, synthetic cannabinoids, opioids, and carbon monoxide. “The reauthorization of the poison center network is wonderful news for the United States and our territories,” said Dr. Mark Ryan, PharmD, AAPCC Board of Directors President. “We would like to thank members of both the House and Senate for including poison center authorization in the spending package.”
H.R. 1865 ensures that poison control centers and their specially-trained physicians, nurses, and pharmacists can continue to provide these and other critical services. AAPCC would like to thank the main bill sponsors, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Representative Susan Brooks (R-IN) as well as Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) for their support and leadership. The measure was signed into law by the President on December 20, 2019.
AAPCC reminds the public that in case of potential poison exposure, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. To save the number in your phone, text POISON to 797979. Poison experts are available 24/7 and advice is free of charge. Please visit aapcc.org to receive more information on emerging hazards.
