New Poison Center Nationwide Number Now in Service

In January 2002, the American Association of Poison Control Centers and its member poison centers around the U.S., announced the establishment of a single nationwide poison center toll-free number (1-800-222-1222).  Funded by federal grants through HRSA and the CDC, this single number can now replace the multitude of individual numbers advertised around the country.  When one dials this new number, the call is automatically directed to the Poison Center covering that geographic area.  No longer will travelers get stuck not knowing the specific number in their State, and those areas of the country which were not served by Poison Centers now have toll-free access to a Center.  This single number will also make it possible to provide national poison prevention awareness programs, not possible under the previous system.  Most States/Poison Centers are keeping their old numbers alive for various amounts of time to allow for the transition to the new number.  Also, Poison Centers are trying to inform the public and health professionals in their areas that the new number and the new logo does not mean a new group running the Centers.  Rather, same excellent service by the same individuals...just a new number and logo....

  For additional information on this campaign visit http://18002221222.info