Brooks
The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday passed H.R. 501, the Poison Center Network Enhancement Act of 2019, legislation authored by Congressmembers Susan W. Brooks (R-Ind.-05), Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.) that will assist with potential poison exposures and help combat the national opioid epidemic.
Poison control centers are vital to preventing toxic exposure and poisoning injury and deaths, including opioid and other drug overdoses. This bill reauthorizes funding for the Poison Center Network, including their national toll-free number: (800) 222-1222. It also clarifies that poison control centers can be called upon to assist with public health emergencies, responses and preparedness; and requests that enhanced communications capabilities like texting be established.
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to put a stop to the deadly opioid crisis that is devastating Hoosiers and Americans across the country,” said Brooks. “However, this bill is a critical piece of the puzzle because it allows the national network of poison control centers to help people who are struggling with addiction by offering free, confidential and expert medical advice at all hours, every day of the year. Their data is used to identify hot spots for opioid abuse and misuse, and with this reauthorization, will be able to continue combating the opioid epidemic and save lives.”
Last Congress, Brooks discussed the role of poison control centers in combating the opioid crisis as part of the committee’s video series. You can view that video at this link.