CHICAGO (AP) — The nation's oldest poison center is marking 60 years of protecting the health and safety of Illinois residents.
The Illinois Poison Center was founded in 1953 in response to an increase in the number of children being poisoned by chemicals, drugs and household products.
The center now handles nearly 82,000 calls a year. Specially trained pharmacists, nurses and doctors provide free, confidential treatment advice and information.
Nearly 28 percent of the calls come from health care providers seeking expert advice for their patients who've been exposed to dangerous substances.
The poison center is housed at the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council and offers treatment advice and information 24 hours a day. The phone number for the Illinois Poison Center is 1-800-222-1222.
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Online: http://illinoispoisoncenter.org/60th_Anniversary
