Iowa Poison Control Center spokeswoman Janna Day says the center handled nearly 24,000 poisoning cases last year, with calls coming from all 99 counties.
Day says the Sioux City-based center is also offering a new chat feature on its website, IowaPoison.org, noting some people prefer texting or online messaging instead of making a phone call.
Without access to the Iowa Poison Control Center, a study found 78% of callers say they would have gone directly to a hospital emergency room. By providing immediate expert assessment and follow-up care, Day says the center saves Iowans nearly $16 million in health care costs every year.
Contacting the hotline is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222.
