Poison Information Center Marks 25th Anniversary
Monday, August 20th, 2007From our friends at Tampa General:
The Florida Poison Information Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary Monday, August 20th with an “Open House” at its center located on the second floor at 1 E. Davis Blvd. The event takes place from 1 – 4 p.m.
Among the displays will be collections of antique poison bottles, common poisons, poisonous snakes and a display of common household plants that are known to carry risks of poisoning.
One of just three in the state, the poison information center started 25 years ago at Tampa General’s Pediatric Emergency Room. Today, there are 13 poison specialists – TGH nurses trained in toxicology with national certification as specialists in poison information.
These specialists last year handled about 62,500 calls about potentially toxic creatures and chemicals, and provided treatment information for people exposed to toxic substances. The Poison Information Center’s Tampa office is operated under the direction of Managing/Medical Director Dr Cynthia Lewis-Younger and co-Medical Director Dr. Gregory Gaar. It provides coverage for six million residents of central and southwestern Florida.
Other centers are located in Jacksonville and Miami.
The 24-hour toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222. The website is http://www.poisoncentertampa.org/
