September 30, 2024 – Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer: President Signs Chavez-DeRemer’s Bipartisan Bill Supporting Poison Control and Overdose Prevention Programs
President Joe Biden recently signed the Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act into law, a bill first introduced by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05). The bipartisan 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. The programs were set to expire today, 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 nationwide. I’m glad the president has signed this bipartisan bill into law, ensuring continued support for accidental poisoning and overdose prevention programs.”
“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 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.
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