2002

Buffalo, NY, Jan. 30, 2002 - The Western New York Regional Poison Control Center announced today that it is joining with 64 other poison centers across the country in a campaign to raise awareness about a new life-saving national hotline for poison emergency treatment and advice. The new hotline number is 1-800-222-1222.

The Western New York Regional Poison Control Center, located at The Children's Hospital of Buffalo, can be accessed within the eight-county area through either the new toll free number or through its pre-existing numbers, (716) 878-7654 and 1-800-888-7655. When travelling out of the area, callers dialing 1-800-222-1222 will automatically be connected to the poison control center within the geographic area they are calling from.

"This new national hotline is an invaluable new resource for Western New York families. It will help ensure that no matter where they are, they will always know the number for the closest poison center. In an emergency when every second counts this information is vitally important and could save a life," said Prashant Joshi, M.D., Medical Director for the Western New York Regional Poison Control Center. "We are pleased to join with poison centers across the country in launching this important hotline and education campaign. It is our hope that everyone will soon know to call 1-800-222-1222 for poison treatment and prevention."

The Western New York Poison Control Center connects callers with specially trained nurses, pharmacists and doctors. These poison experts will immediately respond to poison emergencies and answer poison-related questions about medications, household products and other potentially dangerous substances.

"We strongly encourage everyone to memorize this new number so they can easily access it, anytime and anywhere in the United States," said Dr. Joshi. "This hotline is an important new tool in our continued effort to raise awareness about poison dangers and how to prevent poisonings in the first place. We highly encourage local citizens to call and take advantage of this free and confidential service."

The national campaign to raise awareness about the new toll-free hotline is sponsored by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). The campaign includes radio and print public service announcements, stickers, magnets, brochures and posters with the new hotline number. A new Web site, www.1-800-222-1222.info has also been developed to provide poison prevention information.

Locally, the Western New York Regional Poison Control Center will distribute promotional materials to people who call the new hotline. In addition, the local poison center will participate in a local education campaign to promote the new toll-free hotline to area residents.

The hotline and public awareness campaign are being conducted in accordance with the Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act (P.L. 106-174), approved by Congress in February 2000. Funding for the program is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, which works in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC oversees activities related to the toll-free number through a cooperative agreement with AAPCC.