The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) is a statewide provider of immediate, free and expert treatment advice and assistance on the telephone in the case of exposure to poisonous, hazardous or toxic substances.

The WAPC is accessible toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Pharmacists, nurses and poison information providers answer the phones. Calling us can prevent a trip to the emergency room. In 2005, the WAPC helped avert some 30,000 trips to Emergency Departments or Urgent Care Units by helping people over the telephone.

The National Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 is FAST, FREE and PRIVATE.

We are here for everyone, day and night...
We serve all Washingtonians - kids, the elderly, adults, even pets. We have access to more than 140 languages (Language Line) and TTY/TDD access for the hearing impaired. We serve 100,000 callers each year. We are always open - even on holidays!

We are free and confidential...
All calls are kept confidential within the limits of the law. We do not report names or even question the reluctant caller. We are not a reporting agency; we're just here to help.

We are the experts the experts call...
Our phones are staffed by medical professionals, including pharmacists and nurses. Over 12% of our calls come from other health care professionals. We utilize one of the most up-to-date chemical databases in the nation (including occupational, homeopathic and naturopathic substances). We even help train future health professionals!

We help reduce health care costs...
Over 85% of our cases can be managed over the telephone by the Washington Poison Center staff, reducing unnecessary and expensive visits to emergency department or physicians' offices. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), every $1 spent on a poison center saves an estimated $7 in overall health care costs. We even research new methods and techniques to prevent and treat poisonings!

We are a non-profit organization...
Public funding only covers a portion of our expenses. We continue to rely on community support to keep our phones staffed.