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The Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island along with Children's Hospital Boston are observing this year's National Poison Prevention Week, March 18-24, 2007. This year's focus will be medication safety.
"Every day we receive calls from Massachusetts residents who have concerns regarding dosing errors when taking medications," said Dr. Michele Burns Ewald, MD, Medical Director of the Regional Poison Center and attending physician at Children's Hospital Boston's Emergency Department. "Most poison exposures can be treated over the phone with a poison specialist at the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention, so it is vital to have the poison hotline number readily accessible at all times."
A poster campaign emphasizing proper measurement and administration of medication will be featured on MBTA subways and station platforms during National Poison Prevention Week. Telephone stickers, refrigerator magnets, and informational brochures with the Center's contact information are available free of charge by calling 1-800-222-1222.
The Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention provides 24-hour treatment advice to health care professionals and the public on all types of poisoning including: taking medications properly, swallowing poisonous household products, exposure to biological and chemical substances, and inhalant abuse. In 2006, the Center responded to over 52,000 poisonous exposure and information calls from people in Massachusetts. Over 75% of the exposure calls received were treated at the site of the call. "By providing treatment advice over the phone, the Center prevents unnecessary visits to the emergency department -- saving the health care system time and money," said Burns Ewald.
Most poisonings can be prevented. It is especially important to minimize risk by taking precautions to poison proof your home. The Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention recommends the following poison prevention tips:
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