Illinois Poison Center

An essential public service since 1953, the Illinois Poison Center provides Illinois residents and healthcare providers with information and treatment advice on potentially harmful substances.

The Poison Center's Impact on Illinois Healthcare

Every day, the Illinois Poison Center prevents unnecessary 911 calls and visits to a doctor or hospital.
72k Cases handled yearly
92% Poisoning cases from the public resolved by phone
$60m Annual savings in unnecessary healthcare costs

About the Illinois Poison Center

The Illinois Poison Center is the oldest and largest poison center in the U.S. and the only certified poison center serving the nearly 13 million residents of Illinois. It was the first of nation's 55 poison centers nationwide and the only poison center that is part of a hospital association.

By calling the Poison Center's free, confidential helpline (800-222-1222), you’ll reach a specially trained physician, pharmacist, nurse or other poison information specialist 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

These experienced professionals provide treatment recommendations for exposures to potentially harmful substances, including:

  • Medication reactions and errors
  • Reactions to household and healthcare products and chemicals
  • Drug overdose
  • Alcohol and drug misuse
  • Gaseous fumes
  • Insect or animal bites and stings
  • Hazardous materials

The Illinois Poison Center is a nonprofit organization supported by public and private grants, contributions and donations. More than 95% of Illinois acute care hospitals partner with the Poison Center and provide financial contributions to support its operation. See our fact sheet about the Poison Center’s contributions to Illinois public health in 2023.