The Missouri Poison Center Turns 60!

November 28, 2018
Poison Highlights

This year the Missouri Poison Center is celebrating a distinct milestone, our 60^th birthday! Over the last 6 decades, we have served Missourians by responding to exposure calls and questions as well as assisting in the treatment of thousands of hospitalized patients across the state.

Celebrating 60 Years as Missouri Poison Center

Here is a timeline of how we got here today:

1958

The Poison Control Center of Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital began operations two years after the Hospital opened its doors to patients.

1961

Eight poison control centers existed in Missouri; four of them were located in the urban areas of St. Louis and Kansas City.

1978

1-800 (toll free) telephone technology was added to the poison center, making emergency access available statewide.

1986

Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Regional Poison Center was selected to serve as the regional poison center for the entire state of Missouri.

1995

Missouri Hospital Association began funding the Poison Center, which continues to be a portion of our total funding.

1999

All data collection was fully computerized with the use of a substance database and charting system.

2001

The Poison Center was relocated to the current call center in Clayton, Missouri.

2008

The poison center’s name was updated to “Missouri Poison Center”.

2013

The state of Missouri increased funding for the Poison Center to maintain services and continue the life-saving resource.

2015

MissouriPoisonCenter.org was launched. Texting and chatting services were instituted.

2018

The Missouri Poison Center won the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) Innovation Award for Technical Engagement with the Public.

We now handle approximately 60,000 calls annually. Even though we are 6 decades older, one thing remains the same; the specially trained nurses and pharmacists at the Missouri Poison Center are ready to assist you with your poison exposures and questions 24/7. The service is free and confidential by calling the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.