ICHP Position Statement - Maintaining a Statewide Poison Information Center System

The Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP), recognizing the adverse outcomes associated with the inappropriate use of medications and exposure to harmful substances, asserts that the availability of information regarding poisoning is of paramount importance to public safety. ICHP considers the Illinois Poison Control Center as an essential emergency service, and part of the infrastructure for all emergency preparedness systems. The services provided by the Illinois Poison Center include guiding practitioners through treatment recommendations for intentional or accidental poisonings which potentially reduces health care costs associated with emergency room visits, educating the public and healthcare professionals, providing public health surveillance, and conducting specialized research. The societal costs of inadequate treatment of poisonings far outweigh the costs of maintaining this service. ICHP therefore supports the continued use of public funding to maintain a statewide poison center that is accessible to health care practitioners and the public without charge.

Revised 5/2022