Print This Article

March is Illinois Poison Prevention Month

Each year, U.S. Poison Centers receive more than four million poisoning exposures calls. The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) handles over 80,000 calls annually via its toll-free, confidential hotline (1-800-222-1222). Of those calls, almost half involved children 5 years of age and under but the most serious cause involved an adult. Calls range from people exposed to a variety of substances that can be potentially harmful causing minimal to fatal reaction (medications, vitamins/supplements, plants, chemicals household/automotive products, insect/animal bites and stings, lead, carbon monoxide, etc.)

For children ages 18-36 months, poisoning is the #1 cause of injury-related hospitalization and death

In Illinois, there are more people hospitalized for poisonings than for injuries from firearms and motor vehicle collisions combined

Nine out of 10 poisoning deaths are caused by drugs/medications

It's Easy to Make a Difference...simply share FREE poison prevention information with your family, friends, coworkers and community:

· First...Know the Basics: If you haven’t already done so, complete the IPC’s quick, free online Poison Prevention Education Course and learn more about poison prevention, poison centers and how to win!!!

· Then, Order Free IPPM Promotional Items: magnifier bookmark/rulers, keychain flashlights, children's activity sheets, wallet/key cards (limited supplies available, order before Feb. 15, 2013)

· Invite Kids/Students to play/view a variety of poison prevention computer games and videos

· Visit and Share the new "My Child Ate..." resource library

· Download the FREE Poison Center Help App now available in the iTunes store

· Save the Number to your phone (and encourage others to do so as well): 1-800-222-1222

· Place the Following Message at the end of every email you send during the month of March: "Join me in celebrating Illinois Poison Prevention Month (March 1-31) and get Free Poison Prevention Materials and Prizes!"

· Post the same message on your Facebook wall

· Tweet "I'm Celebrating Illinois Poison Prevention Month (March 1-31). No question or issue too big or small just call 1-800-222-1222!"

Help Save the Only Poison Hotline Service in Illinois

In light of the looming fiscal battles both at the federal and state levels, it has never been more important for you to urge your elected officials to maintain funding for Illinois’ only remaining poison control and prevention center.

It's estimated that for every $1 invested in the IPC, there is a $13 savings in reduced health care and lost productivity costs.

If full State and Federal funding for the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is not appropriated, drastic cuts could translate into decreased educational services  (poison awareness and poison prevention and treatment in Illinois). As costs continue to rise, the IPC could be unable to continue providing Illinoisans with access to vital poison control, treatment and education services.

Taken directly from the Illinois Poison Center Website at http://illinoispoisoncenter.org/IPPM