Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s Bipartisan Bill Supporting Critical Poison Control Programs Passes Health Subcommittee

March 12, 2024 – Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer: Chavez-DeRemer’s Bipartisan Bill Supporting Critical Poison Control Programs Passes Health Subcommittee

Today, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) and co-led by Reps. John Joyce (PA-13), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), and Don Davis (NC-01) to reauthorize certain poison control programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) passed the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. The proposal would extend support for poison control centers, the nationwide poison control hotline, and educational campaigns to prevent overdoses and poisonings. Currently, these programs are set to expire on September 30.

Last week, the Oregon Poison Center sounded the alarm on rising fentanyl overdoses among children. There were 16 children younger than six who were poisoned by fentanyl in Oregon in 2023 – up from zero in 2020.

“Poison control centers play a vital role in preventing accidental deaths and offer important educational resources to raise awareness about dangerous substances, including fentanyl,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “Extending these key programs will help save lives while reducing pressure on emergency rooms across the country. I’m glad our bipartisan proposal passed the Health Subcommittee today and will continue working to get this signed into law before the September deadline.”

Poison control centers, including the toll-free hotline, offer expert advice in poison-related emergencies. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), over 70 percent of individuals who use the hotline receive needed assistance without needing to rush to a hospital. There are 55 poison centers across the nation that operate 24 hours a day. In 2021, approximately one poison exposure was reported to a poison center every 15 seconds.

The toll-free nationwide poison control hotline number is 1-800-222-1222. An online tool is also available HERE. More information on the Oregon Poison Center is available HERE.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.