Single number to be used for poison calls
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer
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"No matter where you are, it's the same number," said state deputy health director Dr. Linda Rosen.
Although Hawai'i residents will now call (800) 222-1222, their calls will be answered by the same people as the old number: the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center in Denver, which has fielded Hawai'i's calls for the past two years.
| Most common poison calls in Hawai'i
1. Bites and stings Source: State Dept. of Health |
Debbie Ahina, a director at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children, said the hospital will continue to run education, prevention and community outreach programs on poisons, depending on the availability of grant money.
Ahina said the staff at Kapi'olani has specific training on Hawai'i's plants and marine creatures, including Portuguese man-of-war, spiders, sea urchins and "our insects that bite and sting."
Health officials offer other tips for safeguarding people from poisons:
• Keep the poison hotline number on or near your telephone.
• If you suspect poisoning, call the hotline immediately.
• Store toxic chemicals, products and medicines out of reach of children or in a locked cabinet.
• Teach children to ask first before eating or drinking things they find.
• Know the names of plants in your home and yard.
