This press release contains dated information and should be used for background only.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.– Last year The University of Kansas Hospital Poison Control Center handled more than 30,000 calls, including 21,500 in direct response to poisonings, saving hundreds of lives and many millions of dollars in health care costs to Kansans.
The University of Kansas Hospital Poison Control Center provides access to all Kansans through an 800 telephone number where operators can help determine the risk of a poisoning as well as recommending treatment.
According to Carrie Evans, poison education coordinator, the risks of poisoning are tremendous.
“Poisoning is the No. 1 public health hazard among young children. About 64 percent of the poison exposures handled by The University of Kansas Hospital Poison Control Center specialists last year were children under five years old,” Evans said.
The poison hotline, 1-800-222-1222, is accessible from anywhere in the state of Kansas and is open to health care workers, daycare centers, Moms, babysitters, school nurses, grandparents, nursing homes, workplaces: anyone can call regarding any kind of poison exposure or for poison information. The Poison Control Center can provide interested individuals or groups with educational materials such as magnets, stickers and brochures.
The month of March has been designated Poison Control Month. In addition, the week of March 20-26 is designated Poison Prevention Week.
“We hope that everyone in the state writes down the Poison Control Center’s number and keeps in an easy-to-find place,” Evans said. “We are here to respond in any poison emergency, but it is important that the public knows how to contact us.”