Did You Know... • Every year more than 2 million poisonings are reported    to the Poison Control Centers in the United States? • It is estimated that this is only one half of the poisonings    that actually occur? • More than 50% of poisonings reported involve children    under the age of six? • Poisoning is the fifth leading cause of accidental death    in children under the age of six?

It is the mission of the Western New York Regional Poison Control Center to reduce the number and severity of poisonings that occur annually. The Poison Center provides immediate treatment advice for poisonings through a 24-hour telephone hotline. This service is available to all people in the eight counties of Western New York.

The knowledgeable staff can also provide suggestions for poisoning prevention including proper storage and handling of household products, medication safety and identification of poisonous hazards in and around the home. This advice is provided free of charge by experienced doctors, nurses and pharmacists specially trained in the management of the poisoned patient.

When patients need hospital care, the Poison Center provides treatment recommendations to health care professionals by furnishing up-to-date information about current trends in poisoning management. This helps to ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate treatment, while helping to avoid unnecessary procedures. Collaboration with hospital staff helps reduce health care costs, and advances understanding of effective treatment for poisonings.

Educational opportunities through the Poison Center are plentiful. Professional education opportunities include toxicology training for physicians, fellows, residents, medical students, EMS personnel, pharmacists and registered nurses. Public education opportunities include poisoning prevention education for health educators, teachers, early childhood educators, childcare providers and other community groups. The Poison Center works closely with many child safety organizations and participates in numerous community health and wellness fairs.