Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed March 16-22 as National Poison Prevention Week to raise awareness about poison safety. The University of Kansas Health System’s Poison Center and Safe Kids Kansas are reminding residents that Poison Help is available 24/7 for free, fast treatment advice. By calling 1-800-222-1222, Kansans can receive life-saving information during emergencies or when they have questions about potential poison exposure.
Calling Poison Help is quicker and more reliable than searching the internet for answers. On average, 90% of poisonings occur in homes, and nearly 70% of people who call Poison Help receive guidance that prevents unnecessary trips to healthcare providers or hospitals.
Poison Centers serve everyone, not just children. Although many calls involve young children, incidents with teens, adults, and older adults are often more serious. In 2024, over 60% of calls to the Kansas Poison Center were related to medications or pharmaceuticals. Other common poisons include household products, plants, mushrooms, pesticides, animal bites, carbon monoxide, and various non-medical substances.
Here are the ways Poison Centers save time, worry, lives and money:
Time
When seconds count, calling a poison center is faster and more accurate than a confusing internet search.
Worry
Nurses, pharmacists and doctors answer calls. We can help in more than 150 languages. Doctors and hospitals turn to us for help every day.
Lives
Whether it is a question or an emergency, Poison Centers are there with life-saving information when you need it the most.
Money
All calls are free. Nearly 70 percent of people who call get the help they need right where they are – saving the cost of a trip to the doctor or hospital.
“Curious kids can get into everything. That’s why you can ask Poison Centers anything,” said Cherie Sage, State Coordinator for Safe Kids Kansas. “When your child is curious, Poison Help is here for you 24/7. No judgment – just fast, free, confidential and expert advice.”
If you think someone has been poisoned, call 1-800-222-1222 right away. Fast and free expert help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
