Dear Editor:
Calling your local Poison Control Center is now easier than ever. Poison Control Centers across the country now have a new National 800 number. In New Jersey you can now call the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) by dialing 1-800-222-1222.
In February 2000, the Poison Control Center Awareness and Enhancement Act was signed into law, which provided, in part, for the establishment of a single toll-free telephone number to access Poison Control Centers. Now, by dialing the national 800 number in New Jersey, your call will be digitally routed to NJPIES.
The Poison Control Center is staffed by specialists in poison information, nurses, physicians and pharmacists, trained in toxicology. Twenty-four hour consultation is provided by physicians and toxicologists. The Poison Center provides information on patient treatment and management, poison prevention information, as well as educational programming to prevent poisonings before they happen.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers, in cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the United States Department of Health and Information Services and your local Poison Control Center, are partnering in these efforts to make Poison Control Centers easily accessible to all U.S. residents. Soon no matter where you are or where you are traveling in the U.S., you will be able to reach the Poison Control Centers, local to your area, by dialing 1-800-222-1222.
New Jersey Poison Information and Education System