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Poison Center

April 18, 2024

An image of a room with jars of poison on some shelves.Launch the media gallery 1 player

For immediate help with poisoning, call 1-800-222-1222.

For additional information about poisoning and the Nebraska Regional Poison center, visit their website.

Poison Control 

Accidental poisonings send roughly one Nebraskan to the emergency department every five hours, yet most exposures can be handled quickly—and often entirely at home—by calling Poison Help (800‑222‑1222). The Nebraska Regional Poison Center (NRPC) answers these calls 24/7 for all ages and any substance, from medicines and cleaning products to pesticides and snakebites. In 2023, pain medicines, household cleaners, and cosmetics were the top exposures in children, while opioids and sleep aids led adult calls. Simple steps—safe storage, correct dosing, carbon‑monoxide alarms, and proper disposal of leftovers—prevent most incidents. Stay alert to product recalls and use the DEA’s year‑round drug‑take‑back sites to keep dangerous items out of your home.

Sources: ​Homeaapcc.org, aapcc.org, CDC, Nebraska DHHS, aapcc.org, DEA, DEA, Consumer Product Safety, CommissionPeople.com

What the Public Should Know

  • Who to call first – NRPC pharmacists and nurses give free, confidential help via 800‑222‑1222; 70 % of cases are fully managed at home, avoiding an ER visit.​ Sources: Homeaapcc.org

  • Leading risks to kids – Analgesics, cosmetics, and cleaning liquids are the top three substances in <6‑year‑olds.Sources: ​aapcc.org

  • Emerging risks – Opioid‑involved poisoning calls rose 8 % statewide in 2024, mirroring national overdose trends.​ Sources: CDC

  • Seasonal hazards – Carbon‑monoxide exposures spike every winter; Nebraska DHHS urges yearly furnace checks and CO alarms on every floor.​Sources: Nebraska DHHS

  • Recalls matter – Lead‑contaminated baby food, button‑battery toys, and mislabeled cleaners were recalled in the past year; check CPSC alerts regularly.​ Sources: People.com, Consumer Product Safety Commission

How to Stay Updated

  1. Add Poison Help to your phone (or text POISON to 301‑597‑7137 for a digital contact card). Source: ​aapcc.org

  2. Download the free Poison Help mobile app for quick first‑aid steps.​ Sources: Nebraska DEE

  3. Subscribe to SHDHD “Home Safety” emails—we relay high‑priority recalls and seasonal tips. Coming soon!

  4. Check DEA’s Take‑Back map to find year‑round drug drop boxes near Hastings and surrounding counties.​ Sources: DEA, DEA

  5. Follow CPSC Recalls at cpsc.gov/recalls for real‑time alerts.​ Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission

What You Can Do

Audience Key Action Why It Helps
Parents & Caregivers Store meds & cleaners up, away, and locked

Half of childhood poisonings occur when items are left in sight.​ 

Sources: aapcc.org
  Use original dosing device, never a kitchen spoon Prevents overdosing liquid medicine
Older Adults Keep a written or digital med list; use pill organizers Reduces double‑dosing and harmful interactions
Homeowners Install CO alarms & vent fuel‑burning appliances annually CO is the #1 fatal poisoning in U.S. homes. Sources: ​Nebraska DHHS
Pet Owners Keep chocolate, xylitol, and OTC pain meds secure

NRPC logged >600 pet calls last year; most involved food toxins.​ 

Sources: aapcc.org
Everyone Drop off unused meds at DEA sites or local police lobby Cuts overdose risk & environmental harm.​ Sources: DEA, DEA

 

SHDHD Resources

  • Poison Prevention Toolkit – printable checklists, kid‑friendly activity sheets, and magnet templates.

  • School & Daycare Trainings – 30‑minute safety sessions by NRPC educators (request via tam.pauley@shdhd.ne.gov or devi.dwarabandam@shdhd.ne,gov).

  • Free cabinet‑lock kits – available to low‑income families while supplies last; call 402‑462‑6211.

References

  1. Nebraska Regional Poison Center overview Home;
  2. AAPCC 2022–23 National Poison Data System Report aapcc.org;
  3. AAPCC news alerts aapcc.org;
  4. CDC Provisional Overdose Deaths dashboard CDC;
  5. Nebraska DHHS Indoor Air Quality guide Nebraska DHHS;
  6. AAPCC Poison Help campaign aapcc.org;
  7. Poison Help mobile app release Nebraska DEE;
  8. CPSC Recalls page Consumer Product Safety Commission;
  9. DEA “Every Day is Take Back Day” DEA;
  10. DEA Take‑Back Day info DEA;
  11. Target baby‑food lead recall (example recent alert) People.com.