Resolution Year 2002
Resolution Number 2:
Publicizing the Nationwide Poison Control Hotline

Whereas, Approximately 1.5 million incidents of human exposure to poisons such as household products, medications, pesticides, and other potentially dangerous substances are reported to poison control centers each year--an average of one every 14 seconds--and many of these involve children, and

Whereas, The vast majority (77%) of these exposures can be treated over the phone, right where they happen, with fast, free, confidential and professional advice and assistance from poison control experts who are also available to answer non-emergency poison-related questions, and

Whereas, For the first time there now exists a lifesaving national toll-free hotline number (1-800-222-1222) that connects every American to poison treatment and prevention experts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and

Whereas, Lives could be saved and injuries prevented if everyone memorized this number and used it when a poison-related situation was encountered, therefore be it

Resolved, That AFDO print this number in its Quarterly Bulletin and in any other printed material sent out to member agencies during the next year.

Board Recommendation: Approved as submitted.