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Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System (2004)

Chapter: 8 Prevention and Public Education

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Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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8
Prevention and Public Education

A useful framework that helps organize thinking about poison prevention is the Haddon Matrix (Table 8-1), named for William Haddon, an early leader in the injury prevention field, and widely used in injury control to guide the development of strategies for prevention and treatment.

The Haddon Matrix is organized along two dimensions. The first is a categorization of the timing of injury into three levels: “preexposure” factors that influence the likelihood that a poisoning will occur; “exposure” conditions that influence the exposure itself; and “postexposure” conditions that influence the consequences of the exposure once it has taken place. The other dimension is organized according to the classification of host, agent, and environmental factors that influence a poisoning occurrence. Finally, the cells identify risk factors and potential interventions for all three temporal periods. For example, removing the availability of pills from the environment of a young toddler through appropriate storage is an example of a preexposure environmental intervention. Alternatively, immediate action to contact a poison control center and administer the recommended treatment for ingestion is an “exposure”-level intervention strategy based on human host action. Finally, initiating new regulations of a hazardous product that has been newly identified as causing poisoning, after the fact, is an example of a policy-level environmental response at “postexposure” level.

Public education and community outreach can contribute at all temporal levels—it can be used to teach safe product storage practices at the

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

TABLE 8-1 Haddon Matrix for Poison Prevention and Control

Timing of Injury

Human Host

Agent (vector of metabolic injury)

Preexposure (preexisting)

Developmental aspects:

—children: explore

—teens: experiment

—elderly: mistakes; drug interactions

—addicts: overdose

—workers: job related

Unnecessary use of hazardous agents

Toxicity of chemical

Availability of agent

Unanticipated exposure

Eliminate production

Eliminate chemicals as weapons

Exposure

Knowledge of what to do

Knowledge of poison control center toll-free number

Emergency actions:

—antidotes

—emetics

—correct treatment

Access to expert advice

Dose of exposure

Route of exposure

Body’s reaction to agent

Immediate use of antidote/ treatment

Postexposure

Rehabilitation:

—lungs

—esophagus

—neurological

Educate public based on cases, experience

Postexposure follow-up and monitoring of victims

Knowledge about correct care of poisoned host

Track exposure to agents

Modify hazardous agents based on information

Repackaging agents

NOTE: Two principles of the Haddon matrix: (1) It is not when you do something, such as eliminating production, but when the action is relevant to the time frame of the injury occurrence or mitigation. (2) An action that prevents an injury is “preevent” even if it is based on after-the-fact knowledge.

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Physical Environment

Social-Economic Environment

Agents available:

—pills

—consumer products

—illegal substances

—terrorism

Product labeling

Poor storage

Too many pills

Safety packaging; blister packaging

Protective gear for workers

Workplace safety equipment

Poor storage practices

Poor supervision of young and old

Drug-taking society

Substance abuse

Poor children at greater risk

Substitute safer products

Design homes with childproof storage areas

Antidote information available

Availability of emergency medical services and emergency departments

Health system functioning

Available antidotes

Availability of telephone and transport

Availability of poison control center information

Regulate products

Invent new products that are less toxic to replace those more toxic

Repackage agents

Protect workers

Political and public support to regulate chemicals and change manufacturing

Replace hazards

Workers actually use protective gear

Public knowledge and perception of poison control system

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

preexposure level, provide awareness of poison center services and contact information at the exposure level, and provide input to developing a positive public perception of poison control centers and poison control at the postexposure level.

An important message that can be drawn from experience with the Haddon Matrix is that injury prevention can only be achieved through a multifaceted approach. Integral components of effective programs incorporate the following elements, known as the “E’s” of injury prevention and control:

  • Education

  • Environmental/Engineering modifications

  • Enactment/Enforcement

  • Economic incentives

  • Empowerment

  • Evaluation

Education includes any efforts to reach children, parents, caregivers, the public, practitioners, the media, policy makers, and other target groups to change knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (e.g., National Poison Prevention Week, Spike’s Poison Prevention Adventure). In addition to changes in the physical environment, engineering and environmental modifications include the design, development, and manufacture of safe products (e.g., child-resistant packaging of prescription medications). Enactment and enforcement include the passage, strengthening, and enforcement of laws; the issuance and enforcement of regulations; and the development of voluntary standards and guidelines (e.g., safety cap regulations, packaging and labeling of baby aspirin and medications containing iron). As noted earlier in this report, regulations can be effective in reducing the number of human exposures (a complete listing of regulations is provided in Chapter 4). For example, an estimated 460 deaths among children ages 4 and under were prevented from 1974 through 1992 through the use of child-resistant packaging of prescription medications, a 45 percent reduction in the mortality rate from levels predicted without such packaging (Rodgers, 1996). In particular, the use of child-resistant packaging was associated with a 34 percent reduction in the aspirin-related child death rate (Rodgers, 2002). Several other studies providing evidence for the effectiveness of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act are summarized by the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center (http://depts.washington.edu/hiprc/childinjury/topic/poisoning/pcc.htm).

Economic incentives influence the socioeconomic environment of communities through the distribution of safety products at no cost or low cost to families in need and working with manufacturers to improve safety

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

devices without increasing their costs (e.g., distribution of cabinet latches to prevent access to medications and household cleaners). Empowerment includes activism at the grassroots level as well as the formation of federal and private-sector advisory panels and injury prevention coalitions or partnerships at the national, state, and local levels (e.g., Health Resources and Services Administration Stakeholders Group; Poison Prevention Week Council). Evaluation includes research, data collection, and surveillance, as well as evaluation of program and product effectiveness (e.g., the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System, or TESS).

This chapter focuses on public education efforts in poison prevention. These efforts have the potential to influence the health behavior of individuals in positive ways, yet as described above, they constitute only one of many factors to be considered. Public education efforts should be considered a necessary but not sufficient component in preventing and mitigating poisonings.

Poison control centers have two relatively distinct education activities—primary and secondary prevention. The goal of primary prevention is to avoid the occurrence of a poisoning exposure. Examples include advising parents to lock up medication and household cleaners to keep them out of reach of young children; requiring employees who could be exposed to hazardous chemicals to wear safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing; and recommending storage techniques to older adults to avoid medication mishaps. Secondary prevention strives to reduce the effect of a poisoning exposure through improved access to poison control services (e.g., raising awareness of the poison control center telephone number as well as urging adults to keep activated charcoal available for use as an antidote on the explicit advice of a physician or the poison control center staff). Educators in centers offer both types of prevention by distributing brochures, refrigerator magnets, and checklists; airing videos and public service announcements; and making presentations in classrooms, at senior centers, and at health and safety fairs. Much of the educational material distributed to the public contains both primary and secondary prevention messages. An example is the widely used Mr. Yuk campaign material, which contains warning labels for poisonous substances and stickers with the poison control center telephone number for rapid access to advice and needed treatment.

Although the size, content, and reach of the public education programs vary among the poison control centers, implementation generally includes a variety of cooperative arrangements involving health departments, health care facilities, pediatricians and family care practitioners, pharmacies, local retail outlets, and various private and public organizations (e.g., National SAFE KIDS Campaign, Red Cross, National Fire Prevention Association’s Risk Watch Program). In 2001, 71.3 full-time

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

equivalent poison control center personnel across all centers were devoted to public education. During that same year, approximately 16.8 million materials were distributed at a cost of $2.4 million, and more than 287,000 individuals attended poison education sessions organized and delivered by poison control center staff or by individuals trained by them to be trainers in their service area (American Association of Poison Control Centers, 2001, 2002a). Additional information on prevention and poison recognition is provided to the public through follow-up to exposure calls and by answering information calls.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION: THEORIES AND MODELS

As noted earlier, the purpose of public education is to change health behavior related to poisonings; that is, to influence people to (1) take the recommended actions to avoid poisonings; and (2) contact a poison control center should a poisoning occur. There is evidence from surveys and focus groups suggesting that, although a large percentage of people say they are knowledgeable about poisons, most do not take appropriate actions. According to a survey conducted by the Home Safety Council (2002), more than half of homes with children ages 6 and younger have household chemicals (e.g., cleaners, bleach, kerosene) stored in unlocked locations. The question remains: How do we provide people with the necessary knowledge and also influence them to take positive actions based on that information?

According to theories of communication and behavior change, a number of variables influence the intention of an individual to perform a behavior (Institute of Medicine, 2002a). The most central of these include attitudes (how favorable a person is toward the behavior), perceived norms (the degree to which a person perceives that a given behavior is viewed as appropriate or inappropriate by members of the individual’s social network), and personal agency (the belief that one has the necessary skills and abilities to perform the behavior). In addition, there are positive and negative influences associated with the individual’s environment (e.g., lack of a telephone). Figure 8-1 provides a general model of the determinants of behavior change. The variables shown are also central in the Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein et al., 1991), Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1977, 1986, 1991, 1994), the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1985, 1991; Ajzen and Madden, 1986), and the Health Belief Model (Becker, 1974; Rosenstock et al., 1994).

The PRECEDE model, developed by Green in 1968 and later elaborated on by Green and Krueter in the late 1980s, provides a framework for the systematic development and evaluation of health education programs

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

FIGURE 8-1 Determinants of behavior.

SOURCE: Institute of Medicine (2002b).

that takes into account the variables discussed previously (Green and Krueter, 1991). The elaborated model, PRECEDE/PROCEED, relies on the premise that effective health education is dependent on the voluntary participation of the client in both identifying current behavioral practices and changing those practices. Furthermore, it is based on the notion that the degree of change in knowledge and practice is directly related to the degree of active participation by the client. The model specifies nine phases. The first five phases focus on program development, and the last four phases involve implementation and evaluation activities. This model has been used for a variety of applications, including developing collaborative partnerships in community health (Fawcett, 1995), promoting breast cancer screening (Taylor, 1994), and assisting in the development of public health campaigns by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Donovan, 1995).

Another model used in health education-related program development and evaluation is the Program Evaluation Logic Model. It is orga-

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

nized in terms of program inputs (e.g., the problem being addressed, characteristics of the client’s circumstances, resources needed, and content of the program); the activities or outputs of the program; and the outcome objectives (including increases in knowledge and skills, modified behavior). The evaluation portion of this model focuses on establishing quantitative performance standards (e.g., how many individuals will change their behavior in the required direction and over what time period). This model is currently being used in Arizona to develop, implement, and evaluate the “Tell a Friend Campaign.” This campaign, discussed later in the chapter, is designed to increase poison control center access across the state through community partnerships and the distribution of multilingual educational materials.

A third communication model entitled “A Su Salud” aims to change behavior by using positive role models and volunteers from the community to provide positive social support. This model has been implemented by the Texas Department of Health to encourage the use of screening for breast and cervical cancer in diverse communities (Suarez et al., 1993) and is currently being employed by the South Texas Poison Center in an attempt to increase awareness of poison center services in the Hispanic community.

THE CHALLENGE OF ETHNIC DIVERSITY

Current demographic trends show that the U.S. population is growing larger, older, and more ethnically diverse. Hispanics are now the largest minority and are projected to grow to 23 percent of the population by 2045. In some states, such as California, many cultures and languages are represented in the population. What are the challenges these trends pose for poison control center educators?

Penetrance data available from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) show different levels of poison control center use in ethnically diverse and low-income communities (American Association of Poison Control Centers, 2003b). One study that illustrates different poison control center use patterns by different population segments was conducted at a Texas medical center by Kelly et al. (1997). The purpose of the study was to characterize and compare caretakers of children who failed to contact the poison control center about unintentional poisonings prior to visiting an emergency department with those who used the center first and were then referred to the emergency department. Comparisons were made by age, gender, relationship to the child, ethnicity, language preference, education, and marital status. The results showed that whites were most likely to call a poison control center, followed by Hispanics and then blacks. Also, caretakers schooled in Mexico

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

were significantly less likely to call a poison control center than those schooled in the United States. Although knowledge about poisonings and the availability of a poison control center differed between those who called and those who did not, 68 percent of those who did not call indicated that they knew about the center. Thus, having knowledge of the existence of the poison control center does not guarantee that an individual will call the center.

Kelly et al. (2003) found that lower utilization of poison control centers by Spanish-speaking parents was attributable to a lack of confidence in center staff, greater trust in their own family physicians, and a lack of knowledge about the severity of different poisons. In this study, videotapes were used successfully to both increase knowledge and encourage changes in behavior of women attending classes at a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinic. Conclusions were based on pre-post questions administered to matched control and treatment samples. Significant differences between the groups were found in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions following the videotape intervention. It was suggested by the authors that this intervention might prove useful in other low-income, ethnically diverse areas.

CURRENT PRACTICES IN POISON PREVENTION EDUCATION

Although several populations are at disproportionate risk for poisoning (e.g., the elderly, alcohol and drug abusers, workers in certain high-risk occupations), the majority of public education materials focus on preventing unintentional childhood injuries. Although poison control center education efforts cover the United States, there is substantial variability among centers in the amount of material distributed (under 7,000 pieces to more than 2 million) and the number of offsite activities (6 to more than 1,500). Some centers rely heavily on materials produced by AAPCC, while others develop their own. The focus of these efforts has been on unintentional, minor poisonings in children under 6 years of age; little effort has been directed toward prevention activities for the broader population, for serious poisonings, or for individuals intentionally poisoning themselves.

A few programs have been developed based on a careful analysis of target audience characteristics such as age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, and have attempted to follow models in developing and evaluating their campaigns. The following sections briefly discuss the education activities of AAPCC; describe the education staff at the poison control centers; provide examples of model-based educational programs developed by centers; and describe collaborative efforts, including activities involved in National Poison Prevention Week.

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×
Poison Prevention Education Activities of the American Association of Poison Control Centers

According to a cooperative agreement with CDC, APPCC is currently working on the following tasks in the public education arena:

  • Maintain a national toll-free telephone number for poison control services.

  • Develop and implement a public service media campaign to familiarize health care professionals, public health professionals, and the public with poison control services.

  • Establish a media campaign stakeholder committee composed of poison control center health educators, state health department injury prevention professionals, and representatives from relevant national organizations to guide this effort.

  • Promote the broad use of the toll-free number by poison control centers, professionals, and the public by using materials developed by AAPCC in 2002.

  • Conduct an independent evaluation of materials developed in 2002, such as English- or Spanish-language promotional brochures or preschool educational materials. Use formative research methods to test the effectiveness in target audiences.

In positioning the national toll-free number, and in deciding on appropriate poison messages and logos, AAPCC worked with KRC Research and Consulting. The approach was to use focus groups representing senior citizens, parents (who had completed college or high school), teenagers, and preteens. These groups discussed attitudes and behaviors in poison situations, perceptions of poison control centers, messages regarding poison prevention and the use of poison control centers, various logos, and the desirability of a national toll-free number (KRC Research and Consulting, 2001). The results were used to design campaign materials in consultation with experts in public education and poisoning prevention. The primary public education messages from AAPCC are:

  • Read the label each and every time you take a medicine or use a product or chemical.

  • Prevent poisoning by using child-resistant packaging; locking cabinets containing medications, cleaning supplies, and other toxic substances; and putting potentially harmful products out of reach.

  • Put your poison control center’s emergency phone number on or near every phone: 1-800-222-1222.

  • Call the poison control center immediately in case of possible poisoning.

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×
  • Call your poison control center for educational materials and for assistance with planning poison prevention education programs in your community.

The national toll-free telephone number has been in effect since January 2002, and all poison control centers have been provided with stickers, brochures, and posters advertising it. KRC Research conducted a tracking survey to evaluate the usage and effects of this number (KRC Research, 2003). The results are based on a comparison of responses from random samples drawn prior to the introduction of the toll-free number and then 14 months later. The samples consisted of adults 18 years and older living in private households and representing the demographic and geographic distributions present in the population. The results showed that over the 14 months of operation, the percentage of respondents who would call the poison control center first increased from 19 to 30 percent, while the percentage who would call 911 first decreased from 63 to 49 percent. Examining the results across age groups shows that adults aged 25 to 34 were most likely to call a poison control center (45 percent) while adults aged 65 and older were least likely (14 percent). With the new national toll-free telephone number, total call volume at the Pittsburgh Poison Center increased by 11.2 percent. Comparing 2001 and 2002 trend analysis data revealed a 10 percent increase in exposure volume. Information calls dramatically increased in volume as well, probably because of toll-free access (Krenzelok and Mvros, 2003).

Monthly data tracking of the number of calls to the national toll-free number shows an increase from approximately 40,000 per month in January 2002 to approximately 140,000 per month in April 2003. During the same time period, data from TESS show a fairly constant level of exposure plus information calls to poison control centers (250,000 to 300,000 per month).

The cooperative agreement with CDC has been used to fund the development of a prevention program for preschoolers and their parents. The package (containing a teacher’s guide and video along with music and take-home materials) is free to schools and is distributed through the poison control centers. The Head Start program has ordered kits for its own internal distribution. This child-based program was developed though the use of focus groups to test key messages. A similar program for adults is under development. It is anticipated that the adult program will be provided in venues such as senior centers, parent/teacher association and parent/teacher organization meetings, and workplace safety meetings.

The AAPCC website offers information to various audience segments. For example, poisoning fact sheets are available for specific target groups:

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

parents and adult child care providers, children, and teens/babysitters. It also provides links to all poison control centers as well as to various teaching aids.

To date there has been no systematic evaluation on the part of AAPCC of the education efforts launched by its office or by the poison control centers. According to AAPCC, evaluations are planned for calendar year 2004.

Public Education Staff

Approximately 110 poison control center staff work as health educators, and of these, 40 percent perform this function full time. Most staff working as part-time educators have multiple responsibilities; more than half spend some of their time answering exposure and information calls and another 13 percent perform administrative tasks. The educational background of the staff includes nursing, pharmacy, medicine, education, and public health. There are two M.D.s, five Pharm.D.s, and eight M.P.H.s serving as health educators. Furthermore, there are seven certified health education specialists and 18 staff with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. Thus, many who are working in this area do not have a formal background in educational theory, program design, and evaluation (American Association of Poison Control Centers, 2003b). In addition, there are no formal training programs for poison control center health educators and no criteria for specifying the capabilities necessary for professional performance. However, there is a health educators’ track at the annual meeting that provides seminars on various aspects of education program development and marketing. These seminars are at a general level and are offered by individuals filling health educator positions in the poison control centers.

The public education function is represented at AAPCC by the Public Education Committee. The mission of this committee is to “assist poison control centers and poison center educators in their efforts to provide the population of the United States and Canada with poison prevention awareness programs, in an effort to reduce morbidity and mortality due to poisoning” (American Association of Poison Control Centers, 2003b, p. 1). The committee is composed of a chair, a co-chair, a secretary, and seven steering committee members. These members are selected by poison control center health educators; they are not required to have any special credentials in health education. The strategic goals of the committee for 2002–2004 are provided below: these goals relate primarily to increasing visibility and participation of the committee, and not to program planning, development, and evaluation.

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×
  • Promote awareness of the public education committee to educators through orientation, mentoring, networking, and provision of materials on health education activities.

  • Promote awareness of the public education committee to the full AAPCC membership through liaison with the board of directors, by representation on standing committees, and by provision of materials on health education activities.

  • Promote participation of education committee members in official activities of AAPCC, such as certification, scientific review, and development of valid outcome measures.

  • Compile a comprehensive resource library to include a catalog of existing material and uniform curricula. An important and useful product is the Poison Prevention Education Materials Resource Guide (American Association of Poison Control Centers, 2003c), which describes resources and provides contact information. This allows staff to share presentations and materials among centers.

Other committee activities include planning the education track at the AAPCC annual meeting that includes sessions on theory and practice, facilitating regional educator meetings on particular topics such as serving the Hispanic population, and publishing a quarterly newsletter—The Educators’ Antidote—covering outreach and marketing approaches.

Public Education Programs: Examples of Best Practices

Poison control centers engage in a wide range of public education activities: some develop programs using model-based systematic approaches, some create messages based on local poisoning sources, and others rely primarily on material produced at the national level. Typical prevention messages for unintentional poisoning focus on some of the following categories: medicines; household products; pesticides; environmental hazards; plants and mushrooms; and bites from snakes, spiders, and scorpions. These messages are printed in brochures and provided on posters, stickers, activity sheets, and websites—the most widely used are from the Mr. Yuk campaign. Outreach activities include visits to schools, hospitals, and doctors’ offices, and local community venues such as safety fairs. Distribution of materials also occurs through community organizations, retail outlets, and special interest groups. All poison control centers have websites that contain information on prevention and provide links to other poison information websites. A detailed listing of the resources available at each poison center website is provided in Appendix 8-A.

Four programs will be discussed briefly as examples of various systematic approaches to program development or program implementa-

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

tion. They include: (1) Arizona’s “Tell a Friend,” featuring special outreach to Native American tribes and Hispanic communities; (2) South Texas’s education program focusing on increasing usage of the poison control center by the Hispanic community by overcoming language and cultural barriers to center use; (3) Ohio’s “Be Poison Smart,” providing a common message in Ohio though networking and training stakeholders to carry the message forward in a standardized form; and (4) California’s “Don’t Guess, Be Sure,” which was developed using rigorous market research methods leading to different message strategies for various audience segments. Unfortunately, all four programs are in the early stages of implementation and, as a result, little data are available for purposes of evaluation.

The Arizona Poison Center developed “Tell a Friend,” an education program that focused on prevention and poison control center access and use for all residents of Arizona, with a particular emphasis on increasing center use by the Hispanic/Latino and Native American populations (Krueger, 2003). Other goals were to increase the use of the national toll-free number; the number of pediatricians providing poison prevention anticipatory guidance; the use of the Internet; and knowledge of partners and community collaborators regarding poison control centers’ services.

The development of this program was guided by the Program Evaluation Logic Model. Focus groups in the Hispanic and Native American communities were used to determine levels of knowledge and barriers to poison control center use. Partners in the education effort included Native American communities, the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, county health departments, Head Start, the State Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and the statewide Medicaid programs. As a result, educational materials have been developed in English and Spanish, and Native American outreach programs have been conducted with 22 Arizona tribes. Early results showed that outreach programs led to an increase in penetrance of 200 calls per 1,000 population compared with a decrease of 160 calls per 100,000 population in the control group.

The South Texas Poison Center program on language barriers to poison control center use was designed to increase awareness and use of center services by the Hispanic community (Griffin et al., 2001). The initial study involved the collection of data from five Texas counties along the Mexican border to determine (1) the level of knowledge about poison control services and (2) the perceived barriers to using them. The survey was conducted though cooperation with health care facilities and community service organizations. The results showed that Hispanics who spoke only Spanish were less likely than whites to know how to contact the poison control center and more likely than whites to believe that the services would cost money. Bilingual-speaking individuals were most

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

concerned about confidentiality. The resulting educational campaign was based on an A Su Salud methodology and involved collaboration with a community network that had applied this methodology successfully to encourage breast and cervical cancer screening. The materials were produced in Spanish and English and featured role models as communicators. The campaign included large media presentations, newsletters, and activities in schools, places of worship, colonial centers, migrant health programs, clinics, and businesses. Call volume from the targeted communities showed a slight increase from 2000 to 2002 (Watson and Villarreal, 2002).

The Ohio “Be Poison Smart Campaign” was designed to provide a consistent poison prevention and control message to all residents of the state. The three poison control centers—Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati—formed the Ohio Poison Control Collaborative. The program involved network partnerships with private and public agencies. Individuals in the network were formally trained to implement the program throughout the state. The training included sessions on in-the-home interactions with individuals living in underserved communities. Protocols and materials were provided for all those who carried the education into the field. In 2002, 777 staff from 100 stakeholders were trained. Evaluation will involve pre-post testing of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (Krueger, 2003).

The message strategies and content used in California’s program, “Don’t Guess, Be Sure,” were developed though gaining an in-depth understanding of the potential customers. The process began with audience analysis and segmentation based on demographic characteristics, lifestyle choices, and attitudes toward health care. Four segments were selected: mainstream suburban families; African Americans of low socioeconomic status; bilingual Latinos; and monolingual Latinos. Focus groups and individual face-to-face interviews were used to define the attitudes and behaviors of the various groups and develop appropriate messages and message-delivery strategies. One result was to refocus the core message from “call in case of a poison emergency” to “call if you’re not sure.” Focus group discussions indicated that the first message could be perceived as alarmist and confusing. Furthermore, monolingual Latinos and Latinos with limited English-speaking skills wanted more information than other groups regarding what happens when a call is made to a poison control center.

Poison Control Center Websites

In addition to providing education through the distribution of materials and presentations, each center maintains a website containing an

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

array of information on poison prevention and education. Information on poison control center websites was collected during July 2003 by staff at the Institute of Medicine using Microsoft Internet Explorer. The table provided in Appendix 8-A describes each website in terms of the material provided and the links to other organizations (including government agencies, private organizations, and other poison control centers). All of these websites can be accessed through the AAPCC website using a directory list. The Internet links provided in the directory connect to a standardized cover page for each center, which includes the name, address, and other pertinent contact information for the center and, for most of the centers, a direct link to the center website. A wealth of important and potentially lifesaving information is provided by the websites. Most of this information is clearly marked and readily accessible; only infrequently is navigation of the website difficult—primarily when the poison control center links are at separate host hospital sites. In addition to a description of the center and the emergency contact information, numerous and varied documents (usually not standardized across sites nor found at multiple websites) with detailed information about poisonings in general and in relation to specific geographic locations are provided for the public, health educators, and health care workers. These documents can generally be downloaded free of charge. English is the primary language used on the websites and Spanish is common; however, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, Laotian, Russian, Korean, Hmong, Tigrinya, and Cambodian are also found. A wide range of information is offered about topics such as household safety and lookalike household products, medications, poisonous and nonpoisonous plants, seasonal hazards, snakes and insects, inhalants, pesticides, possibly dangerous food, alcohol, hazardous materials, and biological and chemical agents that could possibly be used in terrorist threats.

Websites also provide materials for use by parents and classroom teachers to educate children, as well as contact information to arrange for health presentations and other community events. News and important updates about legislation, national and community events (including the annual National Poison Prevention Week), education and training programs, and other current issues related to poison are often available. Internet links to journals and databases that deal with relevant epidemiological topics are also provided for educators, health care professionals, and more informed members of the public.

It is important to mention that each center has designed its own website and selected its own content to be displayed—there is no sharing of design from one center to another and no common standard of quality for content coverage, content display, or website navigation.

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×
Evaluation

Most evaluations of the programs developed to educate the public about primary and secondary poison prevention have relied on measuring the number of materials distributed or the number of presentations given. Other evaluations have focused on increases in the number of exposure or information calls to the poison control center. For example, according to Oderda and Klein-Schwartz (1985), Mr. Yuk stickers distributed by the Maryland Poison Center raised awareness of the center’s existence and telephone number. Krenzelok and Dean (1988) found that Mr. Yuk raised awareness of poisoning and of the poison control center particularly among the college educated. In 1984, center staff from Virginia carried out a randomized trial of the deterrent value of the widely used Mr. Yuk stickers for children ages 12 to 30 months before and after an educational program. Toddlers were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. During the first trial exposure (preeducation), toddlers in both groups showed no preference for containers labeled versus not labeled with Mr. Yuk stickers. In the second trial, children in the experimental group were provided with education. The results showed that children in the educated group were more likely to handle containers with stickers whereas those in the control group continued to show no preference, suggesting that the stickers did not deter children from manipulating the containers (Vernberg et al., 1984).

There are few published studies evaluating the effects of poison prevention education on behavior. One study used a pre-post test design with two intervention groups of children from 3 to 6 years of age to examine the effects of a 30-minute classroom presentation by a health educator (Brogan and Lobell, 1999). One group answered the posttest questions immediately following the presentation; the second group answered the posttest questions 7 months later. Both groups showed a significant increase in knowledge about poison prevention. In the pretest 36 percent of the children answered the questions correctly; the posttest results were 96 percent correct for the immediate group and 95 percent correct for the 7-month follow-up groups.

In another study, researchers examined the effects of poison prevention education on kindergarten and third-grade students and their parents (Liller et al., 1998). They used a posttest, control group design. Children in the intervention schools were given the More Health 40-minute interactive teaching lesson. This was supplemented by the Always Ask First video for kindergarten students, and reading and vocabulary lists for third graders as well as take-home materials for parents and caregivers. The results show that students in the intervention groups consistently answered more questions correctly than students in the control groups.

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Also, the majority of parents/caregivers of intervention group students indicated, in a follow-up questionnaire, that their homes were made poison safe.

Emergency departments also have been used as a venue for educating the public about poison prevention. Wolf et al. (1987) examined the effects of medical counseling on poison prevention practices of inner-city families. Comparison of control and intervention groups indicated a positive effect of the counseling on ipecac storage and use. Reddy et al. (1999) conducted a prospective study of the effects on behavior of a videotape presentation supplement to written material handed out in an emergency department and as part of a general pediatric visit. The results indicated that caregivers who viewed the tape (intervention group) were three times more likely to read the material than caregivers who did not view the videotape (control group). Comparisons of pre- and posttest home safety scores indicated that individuals in the video group showed a higher incremental increase in knowledge than the control group.

Perhaps the most complete evaluation of poison prevention education was conducted between 1975 and 1979 in Monroe County, New York (Fisher et al., 1981). This project was designed to heighten public awareness and reduce risks and incidents of poisonings in the home. The results demonstrate that a comprehensive, multifaceted approach can have significant impact on prevention behavior. Interventions were conducted over a 3-year period and included community outreach seminars (to community workers in touch with families); school curriculum seminars and checklists; retail outreach efforts (sale of safety latches and reshelving of hazardous products); distribution of prevention materials to new mothers at the time of childbirth; and mass media campaigns. Follow-up surveys in the home showed significant reduction in accessibility to children of potentially hazardous products (36 percent fewer homes had accessible aspirins, 32 percent fewer had available drain cleaners, and 27 percent had fewer furniture polishes). Although all facets of the intervention were useful, the most frequently cited sources of information were (1) booklets provided in hospitals at the time of birth or other prevention material provided with a birth certificate and (2) mass media. Shelf warnings and materials that older children brought home from school were also useful sources. Data from surveys of retail stores showed marked improvement in stocking products with appropriate packaging, reshelving, posting warning signs, and stocking safety latches. In 1981 the Monroe County project was extended into five adjoining counties (Fisher et al., 1986). The results confirmed the findings of the original study showing an increase in knowledge about poisoning, an increase in calls to the poison control center, and a decrease in visits to emergency departments in the short term. No long-term follow-up of the effects of the interventions was conducted.

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

COLLABORATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

National Poison Prevention Week

National Poison Prevention Week was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 in Pub. L. No. 87–319 (75 Stat. 681). It is held each year during the third full week of March (for details, see http://www.aapcc.org/poison2.htm; http://www.nsc.org/poison.htm). The intent of Congress in passing this law was to provide a way for local communities to make their citizens aware of the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to promote prevention measures (http://www.nsc.org/poison.htm).

Subsequent to the passage and signing of the law, the Poison Prevention Week Council, a coalition of national organizations, was established to coordinate the event. The 37-member council serves as a focal point for member activities (see Box 8-1 for list of council members). The council’s basic theme is “Children Act Fast…So Do Poisons!”

The council joins with the American Association of Poison Control Centers and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promote and sponsor a poster contest to mark the annual event. Furthermore, the council urges parents to (1) use products with child-resistant packaging; (2) keep medicines and chemicals locked away from children; and (3) use the toll-free number for poison control centers when needed. Video clips in both English and Spanish about poison prevention and poison control centers are linked to the CPSC website (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03092.html).

National Poison Prevention Week also presents an opportunity for member organizations to separately educate the public and encourage vigilance about poisonings, particularly in households with children. Each member organization develops a program suited to its interests in poison prevention and promotes it directly through radio, television, or print media or indirectly through its own chapters and affiliates. For example, the National Safety Council and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have a cooperative agreement to emphasize the need for consumers to read labels on household cleaners, pesticides, and insecticides.

Distribution of Poison Prevention Information by Other Organizations

Some organizations promote poison prevention and control throughout the year (Table 8-2 lists a number of organizations and the types of information they provide on their websites). Some of these organizations are associations of clinicians (e.g., American Academy of Pediatrics, Amer-

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

BOX 8-1
National Poison Prevention Week Council Members

American Academy of Clinical Toxicology

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Association of Poison Control Centers

American College of Emergency Physicians

American Dental Association

American Nurses Association

American Petroleum Institute

American Pharmaceutical Association

American Public Health Association

American Red Cross

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc.

ASTM Committee on Packaging

Boy Scouts of America

Center for Proper Medication Use

Closure Manufacturers Association

Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Consumer Specialty Products Association

Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association

Council on Family Health

CropLife America

Food Marketing Institute

Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council

National Association of Broadcasters

National Association of Chain Drug Stores

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

National Community Pharmacists Association

National SAFE KIDS Campaign

National Safety Council

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

Soap and Detergent Association

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

ican Academy of Emergency Physicians, American Nurses Association); some are nonprofit organizations (e.g., American Red Cross, Alliance for Healthy Homes, Children’s Safety Network, National SAFE KIDS Campaign); and some are federal agencies (CDC, CPSC, EPA). Many offer information in both English and Spanish. Pharmacists provide poison prevention and control information and other activities throughout the

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

TABLE 8-2 Education Materials from Outside Organizations

Name

Audience

Content

Clinical Membership Organizations

American Academy of Pediatrics

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents and publications and kits that can be purchased

Pediatricians/parents/general audience

• The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP)description and fact sheets.TIPP is an educational program for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age to help prevent common injuries from a number of incidents,including poisoning;TIPP materials are available for purchase

• TIPP fact sheets

• News releases/surveys about common injuries

American College of Emergency Physicians

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents and publications that can be purchased

Emergency physicians/parents

• Tips on how to protect your child from poison

• Pediatric Emergency Guide: tips on what do when your child has an emergency

• Poison information and treatment systems policy statement

• News releases

American Medical Association

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Physicians

• Technical articles about poisonings

• Policy statements related to various poisonings,and the responsibility of physicians and public health departments in preventing them

• Council on Scientific Affairs reports,including reports on medical preparedness for terrorism and other disasters

American Nurses Association

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Nurses

• Technical articles about poisonings (Children ’s Health and the Environment articles)—including news and updated information

• Articles related to poisonings from the American Journal of Nursing

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

American Pharmaceutical Association

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Pharmacists

• Information about National Poison Prevention Week

• Poison Lookout Checklist (from U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission)

• Explanation of pharmacist classification system

• Guidelines for pharmacists

American Trauma Society

Medium: Searchable Internet website

Professional community

Tangentially related to poisoning events,the Trauma Information Exchange Program (TIEP)is a program of the American Trauma Society in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; TIEP maintains an inventory of trauma centers in the United States;collects data and develops information related to the causes,treatment,and outcomes of injury;and facilitates the exchange of information among trauma care institutions,care providers, researchers,payers,and policy makers

Emergency Nurses Association

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Nurses/other health care professionals

• E-code articles

• Speaker/course presentations (e.g., 2002 Scientific Assembly)

• Abstracts/research work (e.g., boating injuries/carbon monoxide poisoning)

• Subjects index from Journal of Emergency Nursing

• Weapons of mass destruction preparedness resources listing

• Nursing news updates

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

National Nonprofit or Voluntary Health Agencies

Alliance for Healthy Homes (formerly Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning)

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

General audience

Fact sheets on:

• Housing/environmental exposures information (toxics, irritants,allergens,gases)

• Risks to children (higher risk, disparities among ethnic and socioeconomic groups,safety and injury prevention, community-based solutions)

• Impacts on communities

• Health hazards and methods of prevention

Action agendas:

• Lessons learned about lead poisoning prevention

• Policy documents

Web resources and publications:

• Holistic/Multi-Topic Web Resources

• Listservs

• List of Publications (Adobe Acrobat)

• Resources listing in Spanish

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents and publications (mostly unrelated to poisonings)

Retired adults

Advice about using medications wisely—asking questions about medications before using them and following the directions when taking prescription drugs to be safe

American Red Cross

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Adults/general audience

• Health and safety tips and services

• Prevention fact sheets

• Emergency/disaster information

• Safety inspection checklist

• Family information cards that can be filled out and printed out

• Description of contents of supply kits and essential supplies

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

Children’s Safety Network

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents and online ordering of publications

Epidemiologists/adolescent health coordinators/state and territorial injury prevention directors/injury researchers and educators/emergency medical services for children (EMSC)staff/ national organizations devoted to injury prevention/ members of the insurance community/ other public health professionals

• Extensive list of documents and publications concerning external use of injury codes (e-codes), economic measures of unintentional injury and prevention, school environment, rural injury prevention, etc., from various sources, including journals, presentations, and fact sheets

Consumer Federation of America

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Consumers (general audience)

• Fact sheets (e.g.,indicating the success of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act)

• Updates on legislation (e.g., providing regional grants to poison control centers and to educate the public about poisoning prevention)

Emergency Medical Services for Children/National EMSC Resource Center

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents/links to publications

Health care and injury professionals/general audience

• Health Resources and Services Administration of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau awarded the new contract for the EMSC National Resource Center to Children’s Hospital of Washington, DC (September 25, 2003)

• Legislation/public policy announcements (e.g., Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act, announcement of national toll-free poison emergency hotline, updates on legislation in

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

 

 

emergency medical services for children in different states,Risk Watch Champion Aware Program announcements)

• Resource listing,including links to other organization home pages,such as National SAFE KIDS Campaign and National Injury Data Technical Assistance Center

• Specific poison control publications from the EMSC National Resource Center and links to resources available from other organizations

Home Safety Council (Lowe’s)

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Adults/parents

Some of the information in the following pertains to poisonings:

• Surveys of Americans’ attitudes, practice, and knowledge of home safety practices

• Newsletters about home safety

• Informative press releases, particularly about safety during holidays

• Salute to Home Safety Excellence award presented annually to a home industry supplier who displays leadership in home safety by conducting an educational program targeted to either employees or consumers

National Lead Information Center

General audience/health care professionals/other professionals

• Contact information in both English and Spanish

• General information packet that can be ordered

• Basic information/fact sheet with links to additional resources

• Current news and related links

• Rules and regulations and related links

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

 

 

• Education and outreach materials (downloadable brochures and posters, program activities documents, links to current grants, the center’s link and contact information)

• Technical studies (downloadable or able to be ordered) in various media formats

• Other lead links and short descriptions of their functions

• Environmental Protection Agency regions map and contact information

National SAFE KIDS Campaign

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents, electronic newsletter distribution, publication downloads, information about speakers

Adults/parents/teachers

• Fact sheets/safety tips on preventing unintentional child poisonings, relating to the responsibility of both parents and the wider community

Some of the information in the following pertains to poisonings:

• Global network focus, local organizational chapters

• SAFE KIDS worldwide study, Childhood Unintentional Injury Worldwide: Meeting the Challenge

• Monthly newsletters

• Brochures

• Children ’s activities to promote safety

• Links to many organizations dedicated to injury prevention and safety

• Academic references

National Safety Council (including the Environmental Health Center)

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents featuring publications (with web links) that can be purchased by sections

Adults/parents/professionals

• Injury Facts DataBytes, one section of which contains graphs of deaths and death rates for six leading causes of unintentional-injury death, including poisoning

• How to Prevent Poisonings in Your Home fact sheet with link to the American Association of Poison Control Centers and the National Poison Prevention Week websites

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

NOTE: National Lead Information Hotline and Clearinghouse no longer operational—see the National Lead Information Center (Environmental Protection Agency)

 

• Lead Poisoning Prevention Outreach Program (operated by the council’s Environmental Health Center)—fact sheet about lead poisoning, e-mail link to community outreach activities, and Internet link to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Lead Information Center

Parents Anonymous

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents and order forms for publications

Parents/professionals

• Information in both English and Spanish

• Not specifically relevant to poisonings; rather, aimed at helping parents with their children’s health and well-being

Poison Prevention Week Council

Medium: Downloadable Internet information and links

General audience/professionals

• Information about the annual National Poison Prevention Week

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission link (see below for extensive information the commission provides)

Federal Agencies

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control)

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Public health professionals/professionals in agriculture/general audience/parents

Extensive list of “hits” (about 700) related to poisonings, including:

• Articles on specific poisoning issues from Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports with references, geared more toward health care professionals

• Fact sheets on various poisons, including coverage of food safety issues (i.e., National Ag Safety Database)

• Poisoning prevention and other safety tips for families (national toll-free poison emergency hotline recommended) from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

 

 

• National Center for Injury Prevention and Control “Poisoning Prevention” provision of contact information for its Poisoning Prevention Partner Organizations, including the American Association of Poison Control Centers, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, Poison Prevention Week Council, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Center for Environmental Health, National Lead Information Center, and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CDC National Center for Environmental Health

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents, publication downloads, searchable journal index

General audience/parents/public health practitioners/other health care professionals

• Information in both English and Spanish

• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Health tips (with a link to more detailed information from CDC); basic facts (checklist, questions and answers, information from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, reports, news articles, testimonials); education brochures, photos, posters,and other tools; boat-related (link to Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports; policy statement link to the Journal of the American Medical Association

• Lead poisoning: Information about CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Program, general information and publications, news links to Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics

• Children’s health information and links to other organizations with similar concerns about the built environment (Designing and Building Healthy Places website)

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Medium: Downloadable Internet information and links

Health care professionals/general audience

Documentation related to poisoning in several areas:

• Statistics

• Workplace

• Mental health

• Substance abuse

• Other

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents

Parents/grandparents/pharmacists/physicians

• Information in both English and Spanish

• Legislation from the Federal Register and the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding poison prevention packaging and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act

• Press releases about National Poison Prevention Week

• Poison Prevention Packaging: A Text for Pharmacists and Physicians

• Material related to child-resistant packaging

• Documentation of deaths associated with the use of consumer products,including non-fire carbon monoxide

• Fact sheets with tips on childproofing homes,locking up poisons from children,checklists for poisons in the home

• Safety alerts for grandparents to prevent grandchildren from being poisoned

• Safety alerts about possible poisonings from medications, carbon monoxide,inhalants,etc.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents and links

General audience/parents/communities/health care professionals

• Documentation in both English and Spanish

• Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control site with highlights, recent publications (and ordering information), and quick links to other relevant information and websites

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Audience

Content

 

 

• Fact sheet about potential for poisonings in the bathroom

• Legislation as related to poisons (particularly lead) and housing issues

• Community planning and development with reference to poisons (particularly lead) and citizen participation and consultation

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Medium: Downloadable Internet documents; HTML format pages

General audience/parents/health care professionals/industry professionals

• Information in both English and Spanish

• Tips to protect children from pesticide and lead poisonings

• Advertisement of national toll-free poison emergency hotline

• Recognition of Management of Pesticide Poisonings report and updates, corrections, and ordering information for the report

• Worker safety and training information

• Pertinent government memoranda about poisoning incidents and poisoning incident data (pirimphos methyl, oxamyl, oxydemeton mehyl, terbufos, phorate, dimethoate, propetamphos, parathion)

year. Pharmacies are accessible and convenient and virtually every household in the United States is within 5 miles of a community or hospital/ institutional pharmacy.

Some professional associations, including the American Pharmaceutical Association, American Medical Association, and American Nurses Association, focus on scientific and practice-related information while others provide general advice to the public and support the information needs of their membership. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the national toll-free number on its TIPP® (The Injury

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Prevention Program) sheet, “Protect Your Child…Prevent Poisoning,” and offers an educational program for parents of children through 12 years of age (http://www.aap.org/family/poisonwk.htm). The academy is also studying the effectiveness of physicians offering poison prevention anticipatory guidance to parents of children less than 1 year of age as part of scheduled office visits. This guidance was recommended in Healthy People 2000 (www.healthypeople.gov) as one of a number of health promotion and disease prevention strategies. According to the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services (http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/cps3dix.htm), the actual proportion of children whose parents receive injury prevention counseling is 39 percent, and the implementation of such measures decreases with level of income and education. Even so, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force supports counseling parents in strategies to prevent injury.

Websites of nonprofit organizations provide a variety of safety materials such as checklists, fact sheets, and news releases for the public (parents, caregivers, babysitters, senior citizens). The National SAFE KIDS Campaign, another nonprofit organization, provides one of the more active websites in poison prevention for children. It offers a wide range of information on the magnitude of poisonings and their sources; the effectiveness of various prevention programs, such as childproof caps; tips about prevention; the national toll-free number; and links to related organizations and websites. In addition, safety fact sheets on prevention are available for parents and other adults caring for children.

Federal government websites offer professional articles, information on legislation, and materials to assist the public in preventing poisoning of seniors, adults, and children. The most active agencies include the CDC, CPSC, EPA, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

CONCLUSIONS

  1. Public education efforts are necessary but not sufficient to accomplish primary and secondary prevention of poisonings. Education efforts must be integrated with other programs in the broader public health system at the state and federal levels. For example, many of the maternal and child health programs in the states have an injury prevention program that might serve as a focal point for coordinating poison prevention and education programs (see Chapter 9 for elaboration). In addition, prevention is best accomplished through a multifaceted approach combining education, engineering and environmental modifications, enactment and enforcement of regulations and legislation, economic incentives, involvement of local health care providers, community empowerment, and pro-

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

gram evaluation. Although poison control centers have been active in public education, the discussions in this chapter have shown that (1) these efforts are not well coordinated among centers, and (2) there is no convincing evidence of a positive impact on poisoning prevention.

  1. Public education efforts should separate primary and secondary prevention messages. Most existing materials mix these messages. If education is effective for primary prevention, one would expect fewer poisonings and thus fewer calls to poison control centers. On the other hand, if the educational message is awareness and use of poison control services (secondary prevention), then one would expect more calls to them. With both messages in the same package, it is hard to measure the effectiveness of either. There is some indication that public education has raised awareness of poison control center services, but there is little evidence concerning the impact of these efforts on mortality and morbidity.

  2. The focus of most education programs is prevention of unintentional poisoning of children less than 6 years of age. Little effort has been directed toward serious poisoning or toward other age groups, drug and alcohol abusers, and workers in certain high-risk occupations.

  3. A repository of best practices in public education should be established. The description of each practice should include information on target audiences, literacy level, and how the program was developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Appendix 8-A

Education Materials from AAPCC and Poison Control Center Websites

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

TABLE 8-A-1 Education Materials from AAPCC and Poison Control Center Websites

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

American Association of Poison Control Centers

• U.S. Poison Center Educator List (full contact information)

• Preventing Poisonings in the Home (brochure)

Poisoning Fact Sheets: Parents/Childcare Providers; Children; Teens/Babysitters

• Prevention Tips

• Emergency Action for Poisoning Card

• Teaching Aids list and links to specific examples (geared toward younger children, several marked as developed by the Oregon Poison Center): Ideas for Bookmarks; Which Poisons Are in Your House Puzzle; Draw a Line to Poisons; Color Items Safe to Taste; Color—Never Take Drugs That Belong to Someone Else; Poison Word Game; Are You a Poison Expert Quiz; Choose Items Safe to Taste; The Children’s Corner; Bathroom Clean Up; Plants and Flowers; How Many Snakes Can You Find in This Picture?; Know Your Poisons; Food Safe to Eat; The Poison Jungle

• Link to each poison control center website at http://www.aapcc.org/director2.htm, each of which begins with a short standardized page with address and contact information for the center and a center’s website link, if applicable

Alabama Poison Center (Tuscaloosa. AL)

• Emergency Action for Poisonings

• Poison Prevention Guide (free upon request)

• Poison Prevention Stickers (free upon request)

• Checklist to Poison Proof Your Home

• Poison Prevention Tips

• Seasonal Fact Sheets (e.g., snakebites, West Nile virus, insect bites and stings, jellyfish)

• Kid’s Page

—Preschool (Find Objects Safe to Play With)

—Grades 1-3 (Help Officer Ugg Get Home Safely)

—Grades 4-6 (Poison Word Find)

—Middle School and Junior High (Word Find)

• Website: www.alapoisoncenter.org

• Link to website of the American Association of Poison Control Centers

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

 

• Educational Programs presented upon request to professional and nonprofessional groups throughout the state of Alabama on poison prevention, seasonal poisonings, “look alikes,” biological and chemical warfare agents, and current developments in clinical toxicology

• Train the Trainer Program (interested community Poison Prevention Providers receive training from a certified poison information specialist and are provided with educational materials to use in poison prevention presentations)

• Staff listing with short description of related American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American Board of Applied Toxicology, American College of Medical Toxicology, Certified Specialist in Poison Information

• Alabama Poison Center’s Historical Milestones

 

Regional Poison Control Center (Birmingham, AL)

Children’s Health System Information

• General Safety (includes link to poisoning information)

• Prevent Childhood Injuries

• Poison Prevention (home dangers, prevention tips); gives http://www.poisonprevention.org website as a reference and a link to the poison control center, which shows the center’s number and link to the latest Toxicology bulletin

• Center website (cited above) links to Alabama SAFE KIDS Campaign (with links to its newsletter); information on lead poisoning, toxic or poisonous plants, and venomous snakes; and bulletins (carbon monoxide poison, Central Serotonin syndrome)

• Telephone triage information

• Website: Children’s Health System: http://www.chsys.org, with a link to website of the Southeast Child Safety Institute and the Poison Control Center

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

Alaska Poison Control System (Juneau)

• This center provides poison prevention education and does not manage exposure cases

• Description of National Poison Control System

• Poisonings and Poison Control in Alaska

• Alaska Poison Control System (PowerPoint slide presentation), advertising national toll-free number and giving information about deaths from poisoning, substances most common in Alaska’s poison exposures, medications, food poisoning, paralytic shellfish poisoning, poisonous mushrooms, carbon monoxide poisoning, and poisoning prevention and first aid

• Poison Prevention for Elders: Home Safety Tips (brochure)

• Substances Most Common in Alaska’s Poison Exposures (brochure)

• Be Prepared to Handle a Poisoning (brochure)

• Why Should You Learn About Poison Prevention? (brochure)

• First Aid and Treatment for Poisonings (brochure)

• Know Your Plants (brochure)

• Website: http://www.chems.alaska.gov/

• Link to website of the American Association of Poison Control Centers

• Link to website of the Oregon Poison Center

Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (Tucson)

Information Provided About:

• Venomous Critters: arthropods (bees, black widows, brown spiders, centipedes, conenose bugs, scorpions, tarantulas, velvet and other ants) and reptiles (gila monster and snakes)

• Pregnancy Riskline: potential problems with poisonous substances

• Plants

• Home safety

• The University of Arizona’s College of Pharmacy website: http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/centers/apdic/apdic.shtml

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

 

• Poisoning and Pets

• Hazardous Materials in the Household and Environment

• Medicinal Herbs (including links)

• Research Centers’ Toxtrivia Question Sets 1and 2

• Medication for the Masses: Pharmacy’s Role in Times of Crisis (brochure/advertisement)

 

Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center (Little Rock)

• No additional information found at the website

• No website provided; web search for the name of the center links to a page of contact information only provided by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Departmental Phone Listings)

ASPCA—Animal Poison Control Center (Urbana, IL)

• Read the Label First? Protect Your Pet

• Events (such as Toxicology Short Course for Wildlife Profession) with links

• Toxicology publications listing with links

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center News Bulletins with links Make Your Pet’s Home Poison Safe: What to Do for a Poisoned Animal; Poison-Proof Your Home; List of Toxic Plants; List of Non-Toxic Plants

• Website: http://www.apcc.aspca.org

• Links to affiliations: University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Support Personnel Network, Environmental Protection Agency, AAPCC, Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, and Veterinary Information Network

Banner Poison Control Center (Phoenix, AZ)

• Documentation in both English and Spanish

• Description of the center’s services

Arizona Critters: black widow, gila monster, rattlesnakes, scorpion

Babysitters’ Guide: Banner Poison Control Center information; What can be poisonous to children?; When do poisonings happen?; Where do poisonings happen?; What can a babysitter do?; What if a poisoning happens?

• Website: http://www.bannerhealthaz.com/services/poison/poison.html

• Links to websites of the Class and Physician Search, New Gilbert, AZ, Location, and Oncology Conference

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

Current Topics Concerning the Banner Poison Control Center Community: spiders and amphetamines

Prevention Guide: Prevention Guide; What can you do?; Hiking and camping?; Bitten or stung?

• National Poison Prevention Week information

 

Blue Ridge Poison Center (Charlottesville, VA)

• Information in English and Spanish

• Link to education section provided at the website

Education: What Is a Poison?; Potential Poisons?; First Aid for Poisoning

For Adults: Parent Poison Fact Sheet; Alcohol; Asbestos; Autumn Hazards; Caterpillar Stings; Christmas Hazards; Copper in Water; Drug Disposal Guidelines; Farm Hazards; Flea Bombs; Inhalants; Lead Poisoning; Mushrooms; Plants; Pokeweed; Snakebites; Spanish Poison Information; Spider bites; Summer Hazards; Winter Hazards

For Teens: Teen Poison Fact Sheet; Alcohol; Caterpillar Stings; Drug Disposal Guidelines; Inhalants; Mushrooms; Plants; Pokeweed; Snakebites

For Children: Activity Sheet to help identify poisons; Child Poison Fact Sheet

• News section (e.g., Moonshine Is Still a Problem)

• Website: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/brpc/

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.CharlottesvilleCERT.org, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Drug Help, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Meat and Poultry Hotline, National Animal Poison Control Center, National Inhalant Abuse Coalition, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Pesticide Information Center, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Virginia, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Virginia Department of Health

Bon Secours-Holy Family Hospital (Altoona, PA)

• This center provides poison prevention education and does not manage exposure cases

• Indicates only that there are education programs and activities such as teaching, seminars, health fairs, and health screenings

• Website: http://www.hso.blairco.org/BONSECOU.HTM

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

California Poison Control Center (Fresno, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco)

• Information in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, Laotian, Russian, Korean, Hmong, Tigrinya, and Cambodian

Information for Health Care Professionals: Health Professional Phone Stickers, “Because We Care” Tear Off Pad, Poisoning and Drug Overdose (3rd edition)

Information for Health Educators: California Poison Control System Health Education Program: An Overview of Research, Development and Implementation, Understanding Bilingual and Monolingual Latino Consumers

You and Your Family: Emergency Action for Poisoning, How You Can Prevent Poisonings, Protect Yourself from Breathing Household Poisons, For Grandparents, Babysitter’s Guide to Poison Prevention, Inhalant Awareness Newsletter, National Poison Prevention Week poster

Materials Catalog and Online Orders: pamphlets, stickers, books, videos, posters

• News and Information

• Website: http://www.calpoison.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers and University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy

Carolinas Poison Center (Charlotte, NC)

• Quick Facts border with poisoning information on each webpage

• Community Outreach

• Emergency First Aid

• How Safe Is Your Home?

• Insect Bites and Stings

• Snakes

• Plants

• Poisons and Poison Prevention

• Website: http://www.carolinas.org/services/poison/

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

• Stop Childhood Poisoning (including a list of other organizations working to produce a year-long program to educate North Carolinians about the potential hazards of pesticides, household chemicals, cosmetics, and other materials commonly found in homes)

 

Central New York Poison Control Center (Syracuse)

• Pop-up poison emergency number advertisement

Comprehensive Education: General Information on Anthrax, General Information on Cyanide

Educational Opportunities for the General Public/Prevention Tips: Train the Trainer, Detailed Explanation of Look-Alike Products, The ABC’s of Poison Prevention: A Teacher’s Guide, Poison Prevention Newsletters, Poison Prevention Checklist, brochures, posters

Poison Prevention Tips from Billie: Fun Pages for Kids, Teachers’ Guide, Billie’s Poison Prevention Checklist, Poison Awareness (interactive CD-ROM for kids)

Brochures: Child Care Provider’s Guide to Poison Prevention, Poison Prevention Information, Poisonous Plants

Posters: New National Telephone Number, Poison Emergency?, Is It Candy or Medicine, Poison Prevention Information

• Website: http://www.cnypoison.org/

• Links to websites of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, American Association of Poison Control Centers, National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, Cornell University Plant Home Page, National SAFE KIDS Coalition

Central Ohio Poison Center (Columbus)

• Poison Safety

• Courses for Parents and Kids (Poison Prevention)

• Courses and Conferences (Be Poison Smart!® Program)

• Family Resources (brochures about poison)

• Website: http://www.bepoisonsmart.com

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Central Texas Poison Center

• Poison Prevention Week news Public Education Section

• Information in English and Spanish

• Free emergency action cards, magnets, telephone stickers, and poison brochure

• National Poison Prevention Week is March 16–22, 2003

• Lives We Touch (photo advertisements)

• Kids Page

Articles: Bites and Stings (Critters), Food Poisoning, Pesticides, Seasonal (Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall), Carbon Monoxide, Lead Poisoning, Know Your Plants, Home Safety Checklist

• Mikey Learns About Poison Safety

• Information About Anthrax

• List of suggested antidotes for emergency departments

• Website: http://www.PoisonControl.org

• Links to websites of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American Association of Poison Control Centers, American Council for Drug Education, American College of Pediatrics, Central Texas Poison Center, North Texas Poison Center, More National Poison Information, Southeast Texas Poison Center, Texas Panhandle Poison Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Kids Page, Virtual Field Trip Network, and West Texas Regional Poison Center

Children’s Hospital of Michigan Regional Poison Control Center (Detroit)

Parents: Keeping Our Kids Safe: Poison Control for Parents, Babysitters’ Guide to Poison Control, Reduce Poison Risk at Home, Common Household Poisons, Lead Poisoning/Visit the Virtual Lead House, Virtual Safety House, Bioterrorism and Nuclear Threats, Poison Brochures, Emergencies, Silly String Fact Sheet, Summer Safety Quiz

Kids: What Is a Poison?

• Help! The Power Is Out…tips about perishable foods

• Poison Control Order Form for pamphlets and stickers: Plant Guide, Poison Guide, telephone stickers, magnets, Holiday Hazards, Ipecac Fact Sheet, subscription to newsletter

Resources: Terrorism: An Overview, Prepare Yourself for Bioterrorism, Poison Control Brochures (carbon monoxide, plants, other general information)

• Make Your Pet’s Home Poison Safe

• Website: http://www.mitoxic.org

• Link to resources available on the Internet

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Poison Center (Milwaukee)

• Poison Center and link to poison information

• First-Aid for Poisonings

• Emergency information for Wisconsin families

• Protect Your Child from Poisons (on injury prevention webpage)

• Take Steps to Prevent Outdoor Poisonings

• Facts About Poisons

• Syrup of Ipecac

• Poison Center Materials (Poison Fact Sheet, Mr. Yuk Brochure, Carbon Monoxide Brochure, Inhalants Brochure, Medication Abuse Brochure, Pesticide Brochure, Toxic Plant List, Kitchen Poison Search, X Marks the Poison, Poison Word Search)

• Emergency Contact Information

• Beware Outside Poisons During Summer Fun

• Sitemap

• Keep Children Safe During the Holidays

• Preventing Injuries—How You Can Help Your Child

• Outpatient Clinics

• Are Your Kids Getting High?

• Programs and Clinics (link to Poison Center)

• Childproof Your Home for Poisons

• Pediatric Environmental Health (information about doctors)

• Information of Biological Threats (anthrax)

• Website: http://www.chw.org/Emergency/emergency.htm, which is no longer active; information can be found at the Home Page selection at Page Not Found

• Link to poison information on site

• Link to website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on biological threats site page

Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center Regional

Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC): Overview with links to Emergency Actions for Poisoning, Safety House: Guide to Preventing Household Injuries and Accidental Poisonings (created by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital), and

• Website: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/dpic/

• Links to websites of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign®, Children’s National Medical Center in

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Poison Control System (OH)

Cincinnati SAFE KIDS Coalition; What Is a Poison Center?; 24-Hour Crisis/Hotline Services; Poisoning Statistics, Emergency and Information Hotline Data

Plants: house, poisonous, nonpoisonous

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Frequent Questions about the Colorless, Odorless Gas; Prevention; Symptoms and Treatment

• Poison Prevention Tips with link to babysitter checklist

• Syrup of Ipecac

• Why and When You Should Call the Poison Center

Washington, DC, and Johnson & Johnson

Connecticut Poison Control Center (CPCC) (Farmington)

• Emergency information

• Information about the center

• Information to provide when calling the CPCC

• About Poisons (links to documents about berries, carbon monoxide, lead, medications [acetaminophen, children and medicine, eye drops, iron poisoning, safety tips])

• On-line Resources (links to a number of organizations in the areas of Connecticut resources, toxicology, animal poison control, occupational and environmental, pharmaceutical, injury prevention, and substance abuse)

• Website: http://poisoncontrol.uchc.edu

• Link to website of the American Association of Poison Control Centers

DeVos Children’s Hospital Regional Poison Center (Grand Rapids, MI)

• Regional Poison Center information

• Children at Risk for Lead Poisoning

• Emergency Action for Poisoning

• Poison Prevention Week 2002

• Poisons Overview

• Poisoning

• Chemical Poisoning and Syrup of Ipecac

• Emergency Information Form

• Mushroom Poisoning in Children

• Preventing Unintentional Injuries Overview

• Website: http://www.spectrum-health.org

• Link to website of DeVos Children’s Hospital

• Links to websites of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Diseases, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Safety Council

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

• Household Safety and Household Safety Checklist

• Online Resources links

 

Finger Lakes Regional Poison and Drug Information Center (Rochester, NY)

• About Us Fact Sheet about services and counties serviced

• National toll-free emergency number advertisement with alert to National Poison Prevention Week news updates

• Poison Facts

• What to Do if a Poisoning Occurs

• Poison Prevention for Babysitters and Older Brothers and Sisters

• Tips for Older Adults

• Poison Prevention at Home

• Prevent Plant Poisoning

• 100 Poisonous Plants in Northeast United States and Canada

• What You Need to Know About Trash and Recycling

• Headlines (poison control news items as available)

• Website: http://www.stronghealth.com/

• Link to website of the University of Rochester Medical Center

Florida Poison Information Center Network

• Background about the Network (Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa centers)

• Toxicology/Poison News Alert!

• Florida Poison Network Topics/Links (numerous)

• Bio Terrorism Links (numerous)

e-Government Services: State Statutes, Red Cross/Poison Center License Plates, Florida Census Quick-Facts, Health License Renewals, Florida Poison Center Network Statutes, Florida Health Statistics

• Providing Patient Data to Poison Control Centers is HIPAA-compliant

• Website: http://www.fpicn.org

• Links to websites of the Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa centers

• Link to website of the Florida Information Network Statewide Data Reports

• Links to websites of Partners: Shands Jacksonville, University of Miami, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida, Jackson Memorial Hospital Jackson Health System, University of Florida

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Florida Poison Information Center (Jacksonville)

• Poison Prevention for Seniors with link to Grandparent’s Checklist

Children: Become a Poison Patrol Deputy!!, Word Search!!, Unscramble the Words to Find the Poisons, Sing Along jingle for Poison Hotline (words and audio), Coloring Fun!!

Poison Information: food, pets, snakes, marine, critters, prevention, lead, carbon monoxide, pesticides, plants, brochures, drug abuse

What to Do: When to Call, What to Expect, first aid, ipecac, FAQ, brochures

• Poison Center/Toxicology Links (numerous)

• Bio/Chemical Terrorism Links (numerous)

RealPlayer video links about poisonings

• Website: http://fpicjax.org/

• Links to websites of the Florida Poison Information Network, American Association of Poison Control Centers, University of Florida College of Medicine, Shands Jacksonville, The University of Florida Health Science Center/ Jacksonville, Children’s Medical Services/State of Florida Department of Health

Florida Poison Information Center (Miami)

Poisonous Animals and Critters of South Florida: Animals: snakes; Critters: spiders, stinging insects, caterpillars, bees, wasps, and hornets

Poisonous Plants of Florida: Visual Guide to Poisonous Plants, Safety Tips for Parents, List of Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Plants

Household Hazards: Look-Alikes: Don’t Be Fooled, Is Your Home Poison-Proof?

• Website: http://www.miami.edu/poison-center/

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, University of California/ Davis Poison Center, Maryland Poison Center, Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, Finger Lakes Regional Poison Center, UC San Diego Regional Poison Center, Central Texas Poison Center, Southeast Texas Poison Center, Florida Poison Information Center/Jacksonville

• Links to websites of the Toxicology Resource Sites: Summit Research Services, Clinical Pharmacy Drug Monograph Service, MedWeb: Toxicology, HyperTox, Hardin Meta Direct, Toxicology Internet URLs, Pesticide Poisoning Handbook, National Institute of Environment Health Sciences, Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center—University of Miami

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

 

• Links to the University of Miami, University of Florida, University of Miami School of Medicine, University of Florida Health Science Center Jacksonville, University of Miami School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Animal Poison Control Center

Florida Poison Information Center (Tampa)

• In both English and Spanish

• What to Do in a Poisoning

• Poisonings Can Be Prevented!

• Herbal Products Plus Prescription Medications: Potentially Dangerous Combinations

• Facts About Medication Poisonings in Senior Citizens

Venomous Critters: black widow spider, brown recluse spider, stinging caterpillars, bees and wasps, scorpion, snakes, Eastern coral snakes, jellyfish, coral, man-of-war, anemones, stingrays, catfish, urchins, stonefish, scorpion fish, lionfish

• Ordering of Materials for Teaching Poison Prevention: Poison Facts for Health Educators, Interactive Exhibit Ideas, Guide for Teaching Poison Prevention to Children, Guide for Teaching Poison Prevention to Adults, Guide to Teaching Poison Prevention to Babysitters

• Ordering of brochures and phone stickers

• Website: http://www.poisoncentertampa.org/

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Tampa General Hospital, Florida Poison Information Centers, Florida Department of Health, Health Resources and Services Administration

Georgia Poison Center (Atlanta)

Poison Overview: Common Poisons, First-Aid, Frequently Asked Poisoning Related Questions

Poisoning Topics: carbon monoxide, food poisoning, household product safety, insects, spiders, ticks, snake bites,

• Website: http://www.georgiapoisoncenter.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, American

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

 

medicine safety, pesticide safety, pets and poisons, poisonous plants, rabies and animal safety, lead

Educational Information: Poison Prevention Instructor Training Program, Other Public Awareness Programs

Educational Programs: Georgia Poison Center Poison Prevention Instructor Training Program (ITP)

Educational Materials: Poison Prevention Literature, Ordering Information and related links, audiovisual materials, brochures, promotional materials

• News and Events

• Poisoning Statistics

Academy of Pediatrics, American Veterinary Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Directory of Poison Control Centers, Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Georgia Department of Human Resources, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Grady Health System, GA Emergency Medical Services, Leave A Legacy Georgia! Campaign, National Center for Health Statistics, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, National Lead Information Center

Greater Cleveland Poison Control Center (OH)

No information was found at the site—only the AAPCC generic cover page with no e-mail link; when searched otherwise, the default was to the same cover page

 

Hawaii Poison Center (Honolulu)

• This center provides poison prevention education and does not manage exposure cases

• General center background and contact information are provided, but no specific information except for detailed list of links on specific topics when searching by “poisons” or “poisonings”

• Website: http://www.kapiolani.org/facilities/programs-hpc.html

Hennepin Regional Poison Center (Minneapolis, MN)

• Information in both English and Spanish

• What Is Poison Help? (information about the national toll-free emergency number)

• Poison First Aid: What to Do if Poisoned

Poison Information for the Home: Your Home, Poison Prevention Information, Information for Older Adults, Specific

• Website: http://www.mnpoison.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Minnesota Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hennepin County Medical Center, Risk Watch, Animal Poison Control Center

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

Poison Information, Seasonal Hazards, Plants and Mushrooms, Pet Poisoning, Kids Corner, Poison Trivia, FAQ, Other Languages, HomePacket (ordering)

Information for Educators: Train the Trainer, Teaching Children (activity sheets and games), Teaching Seniors (adverse effects of medication and food poisoning), ordering bulk material

Information for Health Care Professionals: PDF articles on specific topics of medical interest, newsletters and reviews, ordering bulk material

• Information on the Midwest Regional Poison Interest Group (MR PIG), a not-for-profit organization of poison control centers and others interested in the prevention and treatment of poisoning in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin—one of the objectives is to enhance education in all of the states involved

 

Hudson Valley Poison Education Center (Sleepy Hollow, NY)

• This center provides poison prevention education and does not manage exposure cases

• Poisons Information

Educational Programs: General Poison Prevention, Poisons of Terrorism, basic programmatic information

• Bioterrorism Information

• Monthly newsletters (The Antidote)

• Website: http://www.PoisonEducation.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Central New York Poison Control Center, Long Island Poison Control Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center—Emergency Life Support Programs, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center—Hospital Homepage

Illinois Poison Center (Chicago)

• Information in both English and Spanish

• Complimentary information packet (two telephone stickers, one magnet, Your Guide to Poison Prevention brochure, toxic

• Website: http://www.mchc.org/ipc

Affiliated with these poison prevention education centers that do not manage exposure cases and provide reference

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

 

plant list, home safety checklist)

• What Is a Poison?

• Household Products

• Medicine Safety Tips

Plants: Your Guide to Plants (house, garden, wild plants/ weeds, trees/shrubs), How to Prevent a Plant Poisoning, First Aid for Plant Exposures

• Carbon Monoxide Facts

• Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning

• Seasonal Poisoning Hazards

• First Aid and Treatment Recommendations

• Emergency Kit Essentials

Home: Poison Prevention Starts at Home, 10 Steps to a Safe Home

Information for Health Care Professionals: Bioterrorism Treatment Guidelines, Upcoming Education Courses, Helpful Websites Links

Information for Educators and Volunteers: Become an IPC Volunteer Educator, IPC Calendar of Events, Register and Event, Pearls of Poison Prevention Newsletter, Activity Sheets and Handouts, IPC’s Presentation Handbook, contact information, helpful websites

Children: Tic-Tac-Toe Poison Game, Poison Prevention Word Search, Spot the Poison, Poison Prevention Pro Certificate

to the same website:

• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center—Education Center (Alton, IL)

• Carle Foundation Hospital Education Center (Urbana, IL)

• Freeport Health Network Education Center (Freeport, IL)

• Loyola University Health System Education Center (Maywood, IL)

• Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Education Center (Carbondale, IL)

• Mount Sinai Hospital Poison Prevention Education Center (Chicago, IL)

• St. John’s Hospital Education Center (Springfield, IL)

Other Links: American Association of Poison Control Centers, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Illinois Department of Public Health, National Center for Health Statistics, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, National Library of Medicine—Tox Town, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, National Lead Information Center

Indiana Poison Center (Indianapolis)

Dealing with Emergencies: Poisoning Overview, Prevention, Home Treatment, Related Information (carbon monoxide poisoning, lead poisoning, nausea and vomiting [age 4 and older], nonprescription medications and products, Your Home Health Center)

• Clarian Health/Methodist Indiana University Website http://www.clarion.org/clinical/ poisoncontrol

• Select “poison control” at the website

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

• Food Poisoning

• Lead Poisoning

• Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac

• What to Do About Poisoning

 

Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center (Sioux City)

Hot Topics: Anthrax and Bioterrorism, Childhood Lead Poisoning

• What to Do if Someone Is Poisoned

• Poison Prevention

• Poison Information

• Food Poisoning

• Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Killer

• Plants (with link to “mushrooms”)

• Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies

Creepy Things That Bite and Sting: chiggers, mosquitoes, bees and wasps, ticks, spiders, snakes

Holiday Hazards: Easter, Spring/Summer, Halloween, Christmas, Food

• Drugs of Abuse

• Lead Poisoning: A Childhood Disease

• Preventing Pet Poisonings

• Common Non-Toxic Ingestions

Kids Corner: Coloring Book, and coloring contests and more fun games to be added to website

• Professional Information and links

• Poison Information for Health Care Professionals Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center (ISPCC)

• Website: http://www.iowapoison.org

• Link to website of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (food poisoning)

• Links to websites of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa Department of Natural Resources—Wildlife (creepy things)

• Link to website of the Drug Enforcement Agency (drugs)

• Link to website of the Animal Poison Control Center (pets)

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, National Library of Medicine, Iowa’s 24 Hour Substance Abuse Helpline, Emergency Medical Services, Herbal Information, Dr. Koop, Animal Poison Control Center

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Kentucky Regional Poison Center (Louisville)

Recommendations for Parents: Poisoning Proof Your Home Using Our Room by Room Checklist; Keep Activated Charcoal in the Home; Keep the Poison Center Phone Number Available; Top 10 Substances Involved in Childhood Poisoning

Articles of Interest: What Can I Do About Lead Poisoning?; Bees, Wasps, and Other Stings; Ticks; Do You Have a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

• Teacher Curriculum (booklet of lesson plans and student exercises free of charge to all teachers)

• Website: http://www.krpc.com

• Link to website of the Kosair Children’s Hospital

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Virtual Tour of a House, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Florida Poison Information Center/Miami, Georgia Poison Center, Indiana Poison Center, Maryland Poison Center, Massachusetts Poison Center, National Capital Poison Center, Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, California Poison Control System, Toxikon—University of Illinois, Cornell University Poisonous Plants Page, Indiana Plants Poisonous to Animals and Livestock, Canadian Department of Agriculture Site on Poisonous Plants

Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center (Mineola, NY)

• This is “a service to inform and educate the public and professionals on drugs and substances related to poisonings” and refers emergency cases to the national toll-free emergency number

Seasonal Hazards: Allergy Tips, Winter Hazards, March Is Poison Prevention Month (with links to fact sheets, including one in Spanish), Easter Egg Hunt for Salmonella, Poisonous Mushrooms, Summer Hazards, Sunscreens and Lotions, Halloween Safety Tips, Thanksgiving Turkey Tips, The Dangers of Holiday Decorations and Plants

Poison Prevention Tips for Parents: Poison Guidelines for Babysitters, Grandparents Alert, Hand Sanitizers, How to Poison Proof Your Home, Infant and Child Choking Hazards

Poison Prevention for Everyone: Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer, What You Should Know About Herbal Products,

• Website: http://www.lirpdic.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Public Health Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration News and Press Releases, Food and Drug Administration Recalls and Enforcement Reports, Journal of Toxicology-Clinical Toxicology, Lancet, Nassau County Department of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, New England

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

Mercury Poisoning, Pesticides in Your Environment, Let’s Talk About Substance Abuse, West Nile Virus

Facts About Biological and Chemical Agents: Chemical Agents, Anthrax, Smallpox, Pneumonic Plague, Botulism, Tularemia

• Seasonal Newsletters

• Professional Education: advertisement of 2003 consultant meetings on specific topics, etc.

Journal of Medicine, New York State Department of Health, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Safety Alerts, Suffolk County Department of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Winthrop-University Hospital, Winthrop-University Hospital Community Training Center

Louisiana Drug and Poison Information Center (Monroe)

• National Poison Prevention Week

Poison Prevention: Children Act Fast—So Do Poisons!, Educational Material Order Form, Poison Lookout checklist, Louisiana Poison Control Center Recommends New Treatment for Poisoning

Mosquito Information: Recommendations for Using DEET Containing Insecticides, CDC West Nile Virus, LA Department of Health and Hospitals

• Current Issue of The Poison Times

• Current Issue of Toxicum

• Ordering free materials

• Poison Pearls on a number of specific topics for medical professional information and emergency management

• Health Care Journals with Free Full-Text Access

• Website: http://www.lapcc.org

• Links to websites of the University of Louisiana/ Monroe School of Pharmacy and Health Technology and the American Association of Poison Control Centers

Maryland Poison Center (Baltimore)

• Order Form for Educational Materials (and reference to product listings and catalog)

• Education Section (still under construction)

• Babysitter Cards (10 copies free)

Clin Tox FAQ’s® patient management guidelines (selected

• Website: http://www.pharmacy.umaryland.edu/~mpc/

• Links to websites of the California Poison System/ San Diego Division, Arizona Poison Center, Finger Lakes Poison Center, North Texas Poison Center,

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

 

topics): acetaminophen, iron, salicylates, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), digoxin, theophylline

• Training Topics in Toxicology

• Tox Alert downloadable documents

Florida Poison Center/Jacksonville, National Capital Poison Center, New Jersey Poison Center, Georgia Poison Center, Southeast Texas Poison Center, Samaritan Poison Center/Arizona, Western New York Poison Center, Kentucky Poison Center

• Links to the websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers and other useful links

Mid-American Poison Center (Kansas City, KS)

 

• No website could be located, except a page from the Kansas University Medical College Department of Pharmacy saying that it is also the site for the Mid-America Poison Control Center; no further information resulted from a search at the university website

Middle Tennessee Poison Center (Nashville)

• Outreach and Education Program: Free Poison Education Programs for Schools!

• The Poison Center Outreach Program Around the Town past and current activities

Interactive Poison Education Activities: Poison House and Look-a-Likes

• Household Dangers

• Are You a Poison Expert? Can You Answer These Questions?

• Ask Auntie Dote: Send Your Poison Questions to Auntie Dote

• Poison Center News

• Website: http://www.poisonlifeline.org

• Link to website of the Vanderbilt Center in Molecular Toxicology

• Links to websites of numerous poison control centers, education and outreach documents, and governmental agencies, information, and databases

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

Mississippi Regional Poison Control Center (Jackson)

 

• No website for the center

• Use website of the University of Mississippi Medical Center: http://pharmacology.umc.edu/main.html; however, the poison center is only mentioned briefly

Missouri Regional Poison Control Center (St. Louis)

Helpful Parent Sites: ChiBro—Parenting Pages, Kid’s Domain—Growing Place, Kid’s Source Online Parenting, Parent’s Guide to the Internet, SAFE KIDS Child Safety, Reality Check—Keeping Youths Drug Free http://www.cardinalglennon.com/internet/home/net10hom.nsf/SearchDocuments?searchview=1&query=poison

• Cardinal Glennon Library links to numerous sites, including journals

• Community Outreach

• No website for the center

• Use the SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s

Hospital website:

http://www.cardinalglennon.com/internet/home/net10hom.nsf/SearchDocuments?searchview=1&query=poison

National Capital Poison Center (Washington, DC)

• Questions About Calling the Poison Center

• Poison Prevention Tips

• Mr. Yuk (under construction)

• Even Plants Can Be Dangerous (with list of poisonous and nonpoisonous plants)

• Act Fast if Poisoning Happens

• The Yukkiest Poisons

Previous Issues of Poison Pearls and Perils: Pearls from Recent Literature (July 1996), Calcium Channel Blockers, Isoniazid, Organophosphates, Carbon Monoxide, Salicylates, Pearls from Recent Literature (July 1995)

• Toxicology Tidbits

• Remember…(pets)

• Website: http://www.gwemed.edu/ncpc/Index.htm

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Maryland Poison Center, UC Davis Poison Center, Minnesota Regional Poison Center, San Diego Regional Poison Center, Central Texas Poison Center, Louisiana Drug and Poison Information Center, Texas Poison Control Network at Galveston/Southeast Texas Poison Center

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

New Hampshire Poison Information Center (Lebanon)

• About NHPIC

• Poisons in Your Home

Plant Poisonings: common plants and shrubs, Toxic Plants, Nontoxic Plants

• Pet Poisonings

• Bites and Stings

• Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites

• Poisoned? What to Do if a Poisoning Occurs

• Inhalation Abuse Newsletter

• Poison Prevention Week 2003

• Website: http://www.hitchcock.org

• Links to numerous public and professional sites

New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) (Newark)

• NJPIES Newsletters

Informational Brochures (in black and white and in color; also in Spanish): general information, child care, food, pets, plants, medicine, pesticides, seasonal

• Advertisement of New Jersey Observance of National Poison Prevention Week

Stop & Think Sam Materials: Teacher’s Guide, Student Activity Book, About Sam, Poison Pointers, Quick Tips, Tips Press Release, Sam Tour Press Release

• Holiday Reminders

• Poison News

• Website News

Fun Stuff: Carbon Monoxide, Lead Poisoning

Just the Facts: Carbon Monoxide, Lead Poisoning

• Website: http://www.njpies.org

• Links to websites of Lycos, Family Friendly Site™, Family + Fun, SafeSurf, Achoo.com Healthcare, InfoGrove, Garden State Environet, KidsSafe, New Jersey Department of Health, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center (Albuquerque)

Fall Season Poison Prevention Tips: Peeling Green Chile, Carbon Monoxide, Halloween Safety, Thanksgiving

• First Aid for Poisoning

• Treatment Products

• What Is a Poison?

• Children and Poison, Poison Prevention and Children, Poison Prevention for Children Brochure

• Poisonous Plants in New Mexico, Plant Poison Prevention Tips

• Seniors and Poison, Poison Prevention Tips for Seniors

• Venomous and Non-Venomous Snakes in New Mexico, Preventing Snake Bites, Snake First Aid Tips

Poison Prevention Tips: For Children, For Seniors, Plant and Mushroom Poison Prevention Tips, Snake Bite

• National Poison Prevention Week

Public Education: New Mexico Poison Center Brochure, Poison Prevention for Children Brochure, Poison Prevention for Seniors Brochure, Poisonous Plants in New Mexico Brochure, Poison Help Logo, Frequently Asked Questions About Illicit Drug Use

Professional Education: Professional Outreach Program, Viewable Examples, Recent Continuing Medical Education Lectures, New Mexico Poison Center Snakebite Flow Sheet, Antidote Charts

• Student education opportunities

• Website: http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/poison

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, American Pharmaceutical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Learn About Chemicals Around Your House, National Animal Poison Control Center, National Poison Prevention Week, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, New Mexico Department of Health

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

New York City Poison Control Center

• NYC Poison Control Center Order Form for Materials/ Brochures

• National Poison Prevention Week

• What if a Poisoning Occurs?

Basic Information: Understanding the Basics, Plants, You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, National Toll-Free Number for Poison Control Centers

Tips for Seasonal Safety: Winter Poisons, Summer Poisons

For Parents and Caregivers: Poison Lookout Checklist, Poison Proof Your Home

For Kids: Put an X Through the Poisons, Emergency Telephone List, Poison Prevention Word Find

For Teachers: K–6 Curriculum Poison Prevention Education

For Seniors: Medicines: Use Them Safely

• Health Education Literacy Program (HELP): brochures and instructor’s guide (free of charge)

• Website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/poison/poison.html

• Link to website of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

North Texas Poison Center (Dallas)

• Information in both English and Spanish

Community Activities: Poison Jungle Safari, Poison Prevention Poster Contest, Community Presentations and Special Events

• National Poison Prevention Week and Poison Prevention Poster Contest

• Virtual Field Trip

• Emergency Action for Poisoning

• Potentially Poisonous Products in Your Home

• Poison Prevention Materials (ordering)

Bites and Stings: fire ants, tarantulas, black widow, scorpions, centipede/millipede, rattlesnakes, bees and wasps, brown recluse spider, sun spider/wind scorpion, coral snakes, nino de la tierra, first aid for bites and stings

• Website: http://www.poisoncenter.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Thomason Hospital, Texas Poison Center Network, Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health, Animal Poison Control Center, Consumer Product Safety Commission

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

Seasonal Information: Test Your Poison Summer Safety IQ; Winter, Spring, and Fall sites under construction

 

Northern New England Poison Center (Portland, ME)

• General Information

• Website: http://www.fahc.org/ER/Services/Sub/vtpoison.html

Oklahoma Poison Control Center (Oklahoma City)

Poison Prevention Information: Poison Prevention Week, Prevention Tips, Home Check List, What if a Poisoning Happens to You?, Is Your Purse or Diaper Bag a Deadly Weapon?, Arsine Fact Sheet, Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet, Food Poisoning Fact Sheet, Head Lice Fact Sheet, Look-a-Like Products, Nicotine Fact Sheet, Information to Leave with the Babysitter, Poison Control Center Audio Jingle

• National Poison Prevention Week

• First Aid

Education Resources: Teacher’s Guides/Handouts, Games, National Poison Prevention Week Activities

Free Resources: stickers and magnets, brochures, fact sheets, teaching resources for elementary school levels

Poison-Related Links: poisonous plants, insects, mushrooms, pesticides

• News Archives

• Medical Professional Development: 2002 Antidote Survey, Antidote Chart

• Website: http://www.Oklahomapoison.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers (http://www.1-800-222-1222.org) and software (MDS Index, MSDS Search, TOXNET Web Search)

• Useful links to websites of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Poison Control Centers, Animal Poison Control Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hazardous Materials/Waste Disposal, National Library of Medicine Toxicology and Environmental Health and Safety, National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, N.Y.-Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, SAFE KIDS Coalition, Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Oregon Poison Center (Portland)

 

• Website: http://www.oregonpoison.org is no longer active

Palmetto Poison Center (Columbia, SC)

• Be Prepared

• Epidemiology of Poisonings

• Home Poison Safety Check List

• First Aid Measures

• An Ounce of Prevention

• Order Form (not free; mostly small charge)

• Website: http://www.pharm.sc.edu/pps/pps.htm

• Numerous links to best sites, medical textbooks online, medical dictionary, journals, MEDLINE® access, medical search engines, and links to medical sites, searches, and links

Pittsburgh Poison Center (PA)

• Mr. Yuk (with audio song)

• Ordering poison prevention materials

• Fighting the Poisons of Terror: Understanding the Threat of Biological and Chemical Weapons

• Poison Education Information with link to poison prevention materials

• Website: http://www.chp.edu/clinical/03a_poison.php

• Link to website of Children’s Community Pediatrics (http://www.cc-peds.net/main/index.shtm)

The Poison Center (Omaha, NE)

Antidote Poster: Emergency Antidotal Management of Poisonings

2003 Poison Prevention Week: National Poison Prevention Week

First Aid for Poisoning: What to Do if…

Poison Prevention: Steps to Prevent Poisonings, Safety Checklist

Know Your Plants: Poisonous Plants, Non-Poisonous Plants

Brochures: Steps to Prevention Poisonings, Holiday Hazards

Coloring Book: Poison Proof with Pinky

Seasonal Hazards: Spring and Summer Hazards, Autumn Hazards, Hints for Halloween, Winter Hazards

• Website: http://www.Poison-Center.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Food and Drug Administration, National Animal Poison Control Center, National Capital Poison Center, National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, Safety and Health Council

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

Teacher’s Packet: Parents Letter, Primary Program, Intermediate Program, Program and Materials Evaluation, Inhalant Fact Sheet, coloring pages

Speakers Packet: Speaker’s Manual

Videos: Primary Poison Video, Intermediate Poison Video, Adult Poison Video

 

PROSAR International Poison Control Center (St. Paul, MN)

• Health and Safety Call Center: “PROSAR manages medical and veterinary inquiries regarding product related adverse incidents from your consumers or end users 25 hours per day, 365 days a year.”

• Animal Poison Hotline

• Consumer products, industrial and institutional, agricultural

• Website: http://www.prosarcorp.com

• Link to website of Animal Poison Hotline

The Poison Control Center (Philadelphia, PA)

• Children’s Education Program

Poison Prevention Tips (listing from A–Z): animal poisonings, berries and seeds, calling the poison control center, caustics, Children Act Fast…So Do Poisons, cough and cold medicines, the elderly, eye exposures, food safety, foreign bodies, glow jewelry, holiday hazards, home safety, hydrocarbons, inhalant exposure, insect repellents, mushrooms, personal care products, plants, poison facts and fiction, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, rodenticides (rat poison), safer alternatives, spider bites, sting things, summertime skin irritants, syrup of ipecac, vitamins and pills

Publications: brochures, manuals, books, poster, poison pen notes

• Resources for professionals

• Website: http://poisoncontrol.chop.edu/

• Link to the website of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Emergency Medicine, Toxicology)

• Links to website of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, SAFE KIDS Coalition of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island

• The Education Program description

• Prevention Tips

• Basic Information About Poisons

Health and Beauty Products: perfumes and colognes, nail products, toothpaste and mouthwash, thermometers

• Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicines

Plants: Safe Plants, Poisonous Plants, How to Prevent Plant Poisonings, What to Do if You Suspect Someone Has Swallowed a Plant

• Carbon Monoxide

• Pesticides

• Clinical Toxicology Review (alphabetical list and by month)

• Annual Statistics

• Website: http://www.maripoisoncenter.com

• Numerous links to websites: toxicology resources, environmental health resources, pharmaceutical information resources, injury prevention resources, prevention resources in Massachusetts

Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center (RMPDC) (Denver, CO)

• Information in both English and Spanish

• Educational Materials and Presentations (to be added as available)

• Developments in Medical Toxicology and RMPDC News

• Environmental and Public Health Projects

• Poison Prevention Information News and Topics of Interest

• Web-Based BT (bioterrorism) Training Available

• Para Halloween (Spanish) and Halloween Poison Prevention Safety Tips (English)

• What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide As Colder Weather Approaches (English–Spanish)

• Guía de Plantas and Plant Guide (Spanish and English)

• Holiday Poison Prevention Safety Tips (English and Spanish)

• Information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) (multiple languages at linked website)

• Emergency Action Cards—For Parents (English and Spanish)

• Website: http://www.RMPDC.org

• Link to website of the Metropolitan Medical Response System, Rocky Mountain Arsenal Medical Monitoring Program, Denver Center for Public Health Preparedness

• Link to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website for SARS information

• Links to websites: Proterics and Acetaminophen

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Health Alert Network (HAN) Training Modules, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

 

• Poison Prevention Tips—Pets (English)

• Plants and Children—How to Choose Plants for Your Home

• Poison Safety Tips

 

San Jorge Children’s Hospital Poison Center (Santurce, Puerto Rico)

• Information in both Spanish and English

• Prevention

• Website: http://www.poisoncenter.net

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American College of Clinical Toxicology, Texas Poison Control Network at Galveston Center, North Texas Poison Center, Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, California Poison Control System, Central Texas Poison Center, Central Pennsylvania Poison Center, Fingerlakes Regional Poison Center, Florida Poison Information Center/Jacksonville, Kentucky Regional Poison Center, Maryland Poison Center, New Jersey Poison Information and Education System

Sioux Valley Poison Control Education Center (Sioux Falls, SD)

• This center provides poison prevention education and does not manage exposure cases

• Website: http://www.siouxvalley.org; however, “page cannot be displayed” for the poison control center webpage on the main hospital site

South Texas Poison Center (San Antonio)

• Short summary page with information about poisons and prevention

• Website: http://www.uthscsa.edu/surgery/poisoncenter

• Website: http:////sthrc.uthscsa.edu/STIPRC/poison.htm

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Southeast Texas Poison Center (Galveston)

Poison Primer: Is Your Home Poison Proof?, Syrup of Ipecac, Mr. Yuk and Children, Things to Do to Prevent Accidental Poisonings

• Website: http://www.utmb.edu/setpc

• Link to website of the University of Texas Medical Branch Campus in Galveston

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Central Texas Poison Center, South Texas Poison Center, Texas Poison Control Network at Amarillo, West Texas Regional Poison Center

Southern Poison Center (Memphis, TN)

 

• Website is under construction

Texas Department of Health (Austin)

• This department administers the funding to the six poison control centers of the Texas Poison Control Network and conducts epidemiological analyses of poison data; it does not manage exposure cases

• Links can provide educational information

• Website: http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/epidemiology

• Link to Texas Poison Center Network

• Links to websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, National Institutes of Health, Texas Department of Health, State of Texas Public Health Information, World Health Organization

Texas Panhandle Poison Center (Amarillo)

 

• Website: http://www.panhandlepoison.org

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (Madison)

• This center provides poison prevention education and does not manage exposure cases

• Poison Prevention in the Home

• Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac

• Lead Poisoning

• Heavy Metal Poisoning

• Metal Toxicity: Your Brain Under Siege

Resource Materials: Pediatric Poison Prevention, Poisonous Plants Booklet, Poison Prevention for Seniors, Poison Through the Seasons, Home Poison Checklist

• Poison Prevention Tips

• Website: http://www.uwhospital.org

• Search results for poisoning—links to related topics provided

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Environmental Protection Agency National Lead Information Center and Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Dermatology, National Center for Environmental Health (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, National SAFE KIDS Campaign

Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) (Salt Lake City)

• Information in both English and Spanish; also Vietnamese and Russian

• Prevention Tips

Education Materials: Order Form (materials free of charge to Utah residents), Babysitters Brochure, Poisonous Plants, Emergency Action for Poisoning, Emergency Action—Vietnamese, Emergency Action—Russian, Poison Smart Utah—A Newsletter of UPCC

More for Educators: Train-the-Trainer Program, Preventing Poisonings: Lesson Plan for Adults, Poison Safety: Lesson Plan for Elementary School Children

More for Parents and Kids: Poisonous Plants, Test Your

• Website: http://uuhsc.utah.edu/poison

• Links to websites of University of Utah College of Pharmacy, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Utah Department of Health

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Environmental Protection Agency, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American College of Medical Toxicology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Animal Poison Control Center, National Poison Prevention Week Council, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Pregnancy Riskline,

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

 

Poison Summer Safety IQ, activity sheets, Virtual Interactive Tour, Games for Kids

• Health Information and Resources: search adult, pediatric; also in Spanish

Fact Sheets: Parents/Health Care Providers, Children, Teens/Babysitters

• Health Information and Resources (searchable database of health information including, but not limited to, “poison” topics)

• UPCC in the News

Consumer Product Safety Commission, Utah Safety Council, Utah Department of Health

Virginia Poison Center (Richmond)

• Educational programs on a variety of poison prevention topics can be requested by businesses, schools, child care centers, and community groups

• The Virginia Poison Center at MCV Hospitals: An Introduction for Health Care Professionals

• First Aid for Poisoning

• Poisoning: Don’t Let It Happen to Your Child

• Poison Prevention Fact Sheet for Teen Babysitters

• The Poisons of Summer

• Plants: Many Are Pretty, But Some Are Poisonous

• Educational Materials Order Form

• Poison Prevention Videotapes

• Website: http://www.vcu.edu/mcved/; links to the center

Washington State Poison Center Information (Seattle)

• Mr. Yuk stickers

• Bioterrorism/Disaster Information

• Website: http://www.doh.wa.gov.hsqa/emtp/poison.htm

• Link to website of the Injury Control Resource Information Network

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

Name

Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

West Texas Regional Poison Center (El Paso)

• Information in both English and Spanish

Community Activities: Poison Jungle Safari, Poison Prevention Poster Contest, Community Presentations and Special Events

• National Poison Prevention Week and Poison Prevention Poster Contest

• Virtual Field Trip

• Emergency Action for Poisoning

• Potentially Poisonous Products in Your Home

• Poison Prevention Materials (ordering)

Bites and Stings: fire ants, tarantulas, black widow, scorpions, centipede/millipede, rattlesnakes, bees and wasps, brown recluse spider, sun spider/wind scorpion, coral snakes, nino de la tierra, first aid for bites and stings

Seasonal Information: Test Your Poison Summer Safety IQ; other sites

• Website: http://www.poison.org

• Links to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Thomason Hospital, Texas Poison Center Network, Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health, Animal Poison Control Center, Consumer Product Safety Commission

West Virginia Poison Center (Charleston)

Hotline Newsletters

• Electronic School Newsletter

• Order forms

• Stickers

• Pamphlets

• Audio-Visual Materials List

• Information about speakers and health fairs

Plants: Toxic Plants, Non-Toxic Plants, West Virginia Summer Wildflowers, Poisonous Plants of the Southern United States, Living With Holiday Plants

• Website: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/charleston/wvpc/

• Link to West Virginia Chemical Emergency Procedures website

• Links for kids to Sparky the Fire Dog, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Child Health Programs, Carbon Monoxide Information, EPA Explorers Club, EPA Student Center, Kidd Safety, Internet Public Library—Poison Prevention Site

• Links for teachers to Join Hands Educational

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
×

 

• Hazardous Materials

• Inhalant Abuse

Kids Corner: Product Safety, Career Rap: Toxicologist, Rap Sheet: How to Use Consumer Products Safely, How Many?, Riddles, Word Search, Where Does Mr. Yuk Go?, Poison Prevention Game

• “Prevention Central”: Your Community Bulletin Board (listing of events, photographs)

Media Topics: Party Mix—Alcohol, Holiday Safety, Jimson Weed, What’s Your Resolution, Hobby Safety, Halloween, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, Poisoning Myths, National Childhood Lead Prevention Week, Poison Prevention Week, New Nationwide Telephone Number

Pesticides: Understanding a Pesticide Label, Pesticide Regulations

Your Home: Prevention Tips, Unintentional Poisoning of Children: The Statistics, Protect Children from Iron Poisoning, Senseless Poisoning from Carbon Monoxide

Bites and Stings: bees and wasps, spiders, caterpillars, snakes

• Lead Poisoning

• Poisoning and Pets

• National Poison Prevention Week

Foundation publications page and National SAFE KIDS Teachers’ Desk

• Media links to local television stations and newspapers

• Link to websites of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, National Pesticide Information Center, Food and Drug Administration, National Lead Information Center, National Animal Poison Control Center, American Veterinary Medical Association, West Virginia Animal Shelter, Cornell University—Poisonous Plants Webpages, Dr. C. Everett Koop, Healthtouch Online, KidsHealth.org, National Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association, Partners in Health Network, West Virginia Medical Institute, West Virginia State Fire Marshal, RxFactStat, Marshall University’s West Virginia Websites Index, West Virginia’ Public Employees Insurance Agency “Pathways to Wellness” Program, State of West Virginia, University of Charleston, West Liberty State College, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, West Virginia Kids Count Fund, West Virginia University, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, American Red Cross, Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office, National Safety Council: Guides to Chemical Risk Management, Kanawha Putnam Emergency Planning Committee, South Charleston West Virginia Community Advisory Panel

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Accessible on Web Page

Website Links to Other Organizations

Western New York Poison Center (Buffalo)

• What is a Poison?

• What Substances Are Most Commonly Involved in Poisoning?

• How Can Poisonings be Prevented?

• What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

• Information About Lead Poisoning

• Information for Childcare Providers, Teachers, and Educators—presentations can be requested and teaching packets with guidelines, statistical data, examples for displays, activity sheets, and handouts for parents are available on request as well; videos that teach children about household dangers are available on loan

• Website: http://www.chob.edu/poison

Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Suggested Citation:"8 Prevention and Public Education." Institute of Medicine. 2004. Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/10971.
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Next: 9 A Public Health System for Poison Prevention and Control »
Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System Get This Book
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Poisoning is a far more serious health problem in the U.S. than has generally been recognized. It is estimated that more than 4 million poisoning episodes occur annually, with approximately 300,000 cases leading to hospitalization. The field of poison prevention provides some of the most celebrated examples of successful public health interventions, yet surprisingly the current poison control “system” is little more than a loose network of poison control centers, poorly integrated into the larger spheres of public health. To increase their effectiveness, efforts to reduce poisoning need to be linked to a national agenda for public health promotion and injury prevention.

Forging a Poison Prevention and Control System recommends a future poison control system with a strong public health infrastructure, a national system of regional poison control centers, federal funding to support core poison control activities, and a national poison information system to track major poisoning epidemics and possible acts of bioterrorism. This framework provides a complete “system” that could offer the best poison prevention and patient care services to meet the needs of the nation in the 21st century.

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