September 17, 2024 – Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer: Bill Led by Chavez-DeRemer to Prevent Overdoses, Support Poison Control Centers Heads to President’s Desk
A bipartisan bill first introduced in February by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) to reauthorize critical poison control programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has passed the House. The proposal, co-led by Reps. John Joyce (PA-13), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), and Don Davis (NC-01), would extend support for poison control centers, the nationwide poison control hotline, and educational campaigns to prevent overdoses and poisonings. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) later introduced an identical bill in the U.S. Senate, which passed in July. The Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act (H.R.7251; S.4351) now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Currently, these programs are set to expire on September 30.
“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 House today and urge the president to sign this into law quickly before the end-of-the-month deadline.”
“For more than 70 years Poison Centers have saved countless American lives and continued to keep communities and families safe from poison-related emergencies. By providing expert, confidential, and free guidance through the Poison Help line and website (1-800-222-1222. PoisonHelp.org). Poison Centers also save health care dollars and prevent unnecessary hospital visits,” said Richard Fogelson, CEO of America’s Poison Centers. “Today, Poison Centers are often the unsung heroes on the front lines of responding to emerging public threats. We thank and extend our appreciation to Rep. Lori Chavez DeRemer (R-OR-5th), Rep. John Joyce (R-PA-13th), Rep. Sheila Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20th), and Rep. Don Davis (D-NC-1st) for championing our mission and recognizing the critical role the nation’s Poison Centers play in protecting the nation’s public health.“
Earlier this year, 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, including the toll-free hotline, offer expert advice in emergencies related to accidental poisonings and overdoses. 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. 55 poison centers across the nation operate 24 hours a day. In 2021, approximately one poison exposure was reported to a poison center every 15 seconds. More information on the Oregon Poison Center is available HERE.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
