Poison centers remain a quiet public health win

The US Poison Center Network — 53 regional centers serving every state and territory — handles millions of exposures and, according to a RAND report, saves about $3.1 billion a year; recent budget pressures and years without inflation-adjusted federal funding threaten their capacity.

Poison centers operate as a 24/7 clinical resource and public health surveillance network. The US Poison Center Network includes 53 regional centers serving every state and territory and offers phone, text, and live chat services in multiple languages. The network handles millions of encounters each year and its near-real-time data are uploaded roughly every 4.97 minutes. A RAND report cited in the article finds the centers save about $3.1 billion annually and return substantial benefits for each dollar invested. Key facts: - The US Poison Center Network comprises 53 regional centers serving all states and territories. - The National Poison Data System recorded 201,545 reported poisonings in the past 30 days. - RAND estimates the network saves about $3.1 billion annually and yields $16.77 in benefits for each dollar invested. - Poison center data upload to the surveillance system occurs roughly every 4.97 minutes, and one exposure is reported about every 15 seconds. - Federal and state funding has not been adjusted for inflation in over a decade, and centers rely on federal sources like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program amid recent cuts. Summary: Poison centers reduce emergency department use, shorten hospital stays, support preparedness work, and serve as a near-real-time public health data source, according to the reporting. Recent budget cuts and flat federal support have raised concerns about centers’ ability to sustain services. Undetermined at this time.