Arizona Poison & Drug Information Center earns recertification
The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy has earned recertification for the next five years from the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Certification is designed to ensure that every poison center in the country adheres to the same high standards. For example, it determines if the center is reaching the community it is supposed to serve, if qualified employees answer the phones, if the center is open 24 hours per day as required, if staff receive continuing education, and whether the medical direction of the center is appropriate.
“Recertification is vital to us,” said Keith Boesen, director of the center. “Our center answers more than 150 calls per day from citizens and healthcare professionals seeking advice from our experts about poisons, drugs and venomous creatures. Our certification ensures our callers get the high level of care they deserve.”
The poison control center started more than 50 years ago as a volunteer service provide by College of Pharmacy faculty. It was officially established by the Arizona Legislature as a state public health service in 1980 and has been continuously accredited since 1981.
Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center
The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy provides free and confidential poison control and medication information to the public and healthcare professionals. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One of 57 centers that make up the American Association of Poison Control Centers, the Tucson center serves all of Arizona except Maricopa County. Call 1-800-222-1222 from any location to reach the poison center nearest you.
