Tennessee Poison Center Urges Tennesseans To Take Advantage of Free Poison Safety Help at 800-222-1222
TENNESSEE POISON CENTER is one of 55 Poison Centers nationwide providing every American 24/7, 365 expert help to prevent and treat a broad range of poison- and toxin-related emergencies or information calls.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE., OCTOBER 11, 2022– Recent trends in poison- and toxin-related harm have prompted TENNESSEE POISON CENTER to raise awareness about the free, confidential service available to TENNESSANS to prevent, detect, and treat poison-related injury or death.
On the helpline, local poison centers like Tennessee Poison Center provide expert advice, 24/7, to anyone who has a poison-related emergency. In addition to the 1-800 helpline, Tennesseans are also encouraged to visit PoisonHelp.org, a free and confidential website supported by the same Poison Help experts. Visitors to PoisonHelp.org will find expanded first aid and education resources, and the latest data and trending topics in poison exposures. Additionally, the Get Help tool provides real-time advice and actionable next steps if you have been exposed to a potentially toxic product, poison, or medication.
Much like a cardiologist specializes in heart health, poison centers specialize in poisonings, overdoses, and toxins. The experts staffing the Poison Help line are healthcare professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, and physicians.
Most Americans may know poison centers help with pediatric-related poison emergencies – for example, a parent calling the helpline when their child ingests a harmful substance. However, there are a wide variety of situations where a poison help line expert can provide advice about a wide range of issues: medication interactions, food poisoning, insect exposures, snake bites, workplace or home chemical hazards, drug overdoses, and any toxin-related exposure.
Nationally, Tennessee Poison Center and other poison centers across the country are on the front lines to help with national healthcare poison risks such as:
- COVID-19: Poison centers managed more than 1.2 million inquiries directly related to Covid-19 in 2020-2021. Poison center data was used by public health partners to issue public health warning on alternative COVID-19 treatments.
- The Opioid Crisis: Between 2019 and 2021 Poison Centers reported a 39 percent increase in severe outcomes and deaths reported from illicit and pharmaceutical opioid overdose cases.
- Cannabis: As cannabis products become more accessible and legally available in many states Poison Centers reported a 45 percent increase in cases involving children under 6 between 2020 and 2021, resulting in increased healthcare facility utilization and risk for severe illness.
- E-cigarettes: With the proliferation of e-cigarette use, exposures to concentrated nicotine liquids have risen, resulting in an increased risk of severe poisoning, especially in children and teens.
“All of these substances can cause serious illness, complication or even death, and yet they are not commonly thought of as potential toxins,” said Dr. Rebecca E. Bruccoleri, a double board-certified Toxicologist and Physician in Emergency Medicine, who serves as the Medical Director of the Tennessee Poison Center, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Vanderbilt School of Medicine.
Tennessee Poison Center and its helpline advice experts are accredited by America’s Poison Centers, a national association, to ensure they meet the highest standards in toxicology education and have the latest and most accurate information available. To learn more about your Tennessee Posion Center we encourage Tennesseans to visit tnpoisoncenter.org.
America’s Poison Centers recently changed the name of its association (formerly American Association of Poison Control Centers), so that it is easier for people to remember there’s a poison center resource that every American can rely on.
“Please save 800-222-1222 in your emergency contacts so you have that number handy in the event of an emergency,” said Ashley E. Nicholson, Coordinator of Community Outreach. “A call can be the difference between life and death. Our trained experts are here to provide access to 24/7 emergency medical advice, national data, and education so that the nation is safer from toxin-related harm.”
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Tennessee Poison Center is accredited by America’s Poison Center.
About America’s Poison Centers
America’s Poison Centers represent 55 poison centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison- and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our National Poison Help hotline (800-222-1222) and website, PoisonHelp.org, we provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited medical specialists about potential drug interactions, poison ingestions, and exposure to toxins such as insects or chemicals — available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention, and treatment of toxin-related health emergencies.
TENNESSEE POISON CENTER
24/7 Free Medical Hotline
POISON HELP: 800.222.1222
