Each year, poison control centers collectively save an estimated $3.1 billion for healthcare systems, a RAND study found.
The 2026 report looked at the impact of that nation’s 53 poison centers. It found for every $1 spent on poison centers, the community received $16.77 in benefits. These 24/7 centers provide aid to patients and physicians.
“One of the unique things about this service is that you’re getting a recommendation within three to five minutes of what to do,” Joseph Lambson, PharmD, director of the New Mexico Poison & Drug Information Center, said in an article on Albuquerque based University of New Mexico’s website. “Whether it’s to stay at home and irrigate your eyes or go to the emergency room — you’re both reassured and given what to do next based on your emergency.”
Poison centers help reduce emergency department visits, cut emergency transportation costs, shorten hospital stays, reduce risk of death and avoid productivity loss associated with unnecessary healthcare utilization, according to the report. These centers also aid in disaster preparedness and response and manage non-poison hotlines for specialized areas.
They also respond to emerging regional trends, such as pediatric exposure to edible cannabis, medication errors involving weight management and diabetes drugs, and environmental hazards.
Despite their impact, the RAND report found funding for poison centers has declined by 8% in the last decade.
“Amid rising healthcare costs, these budget cuts are a mounting threat to the ability of Poison Centers to provide life-saving services and essential 24/7 coverage,” the report said.
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