Alabama Poison Information Center at Children’s of Alabama Highlights Local Impact

Birmingham, Ala. (Jan. 21, 2026) — U.S. Poison Centers save $3.1 billion every year in medical costs and lost productivity, according to a new independent study released by America’s Poison Centers®.  Conducted by RAND, the report confirms that Poison Centers provide substantial economic and societal benefits for communities across the country. In Alabama, the Alabama Poison Information Center at Children’s of Alabama responds to thousands of exposure cases annually and provides critical services to prevent poisoning, as well as 24/7 expert support to families and individuals in the community.

The RAND report, Poison Prevention, Treatment, and Detection as Public Health Investments, found that for every $1 invested in poison center services, communities receive $16.77 in benefits. These cost-saving benefits reflect reduced emergency department use, shortened hospital stays, decreased mortality risk, enhanced public health surveillance, and improved patient outcomes.

However, despite their growing value, overall funding for Poison Centers decreased by 8 percent in real dollars from 2011 to 2024, and subsidized support also decreased. Amid rising healthcare costs, these budget cuts are an increasing threat to the ability of Poison Centers to provide life-saving services and essential 24/7 coverage.

The report found that Poison Centers and their national infrastructure have significantly modernized over the last decade, expanding beyond traditional telephone calls to offer text and live chat services that better meet the changing needs of the public and the healthcare system.

“This confirms what we experience daily on every call,” said Jessica Pescatore, Clinical Director of Alabama Poison Information Center. “Immediate access to our specialists and toxicologists can keep people safe at home, prevent costly ER visits, and guide health care providers in treating complex cases.”

The Alabama Poison Information Center has provided 24/7 toll-free access to life-saving information since 1958. The Center’s staff includes nurse and pharmacist specialists in poison information (certified by national examination and sponsored by the American Association of Poison Control Centers).  Over the past year, the Center has worked to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).  Last year, a letter to the editor in a prominent medical journal was accepted for publication, highlighting the collaboration between poison centers and public health entities.

For additional information, or to read the full report, visit poisoncenters.org/national-impact-study. For fast, free, confidential help for a potential poisoning or question, call the Alabama Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.