About Us

Who We Are

The Indiana Poison Center (IPC) is an independent, nonprofit agency providing poison information coverage and services for the entire state of Indiana. It serves as both an emergency telephone service and an information resource center, with services available to the general public and healthcare professionals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. IPC is the designated Regional Poison Information Center for Indiana and is accredited by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). It is a collaborative effort of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Indiana University Health (IU Health), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Poison Control Program, and healthcare providers throughout the state. Services are free to the public and confidential. Calling the Indiana Poison Center is faster and less expensive than a visit to urgent care or an emergency room. Most poisonings are not life threatening and can be handled at home with the health of a Specialist, saving you a lot of time and money.

American Association of Poison Control Centers

American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) supports the nation’s 55 poison centers in their efforts to prevent and treat poison exposures. AAPCC’s mission is to actively advance the health care role and public health mission of their members through information, advocacy, education and research. AAPCC’s core membership is made up of the U.S. poison control centers who combined answer calls to the Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) in every U.S. state and territory. This includes the physicians, pharmacists, nurses, health educators, and administrators they employ. AAPCC provides opportunities for its members to collaborate with other poison control providers across the world but does not accredit those services.

Indiana University Health

Indiana University Health (IU Health) is Indiana’s most comprehensive healthcare system. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the nation’s leading medical schools, gives patients access to innovative treatments and therapies. IU Health is comprised of hospitals, physicians, and allied services dedicated to providing preeminent care throughout Indiana and beyond. IU Health’s mission is to improve the health of patients and community through innovation and excellence in care, education, research, and service.

Indiana State Department of Health

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is the state’s lead public health agency. Their mission is to promote and provide essential public health services, with a vision for a healthier and safer Indiana. ISDH has the following core values: health promotion and prevention, vaccines, equitable care, vital records, health protection, collaboration with local health departments, data collection, analysis and information dissemination, and evidence-based best practices for public health promotion, training, and health care quality.

Health Resources and Services Administration

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. Comprising six bureaus and ten offices, HRSA provides leadership and financial support to health care providers in every state and U.S. territory. HRSA’s mission is to improve health and achieve health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative programs.

What Happens When You Call IPC

IPC is staffed with specially trained nurses and pharmacists, also known as Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs). These specialists have helped more than 2.2 million people with calls about:

  • Drugs and medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, and illicit drugs
  • Chemicals at work and/or home
  • Plants, indoor and outdoor
  • Food poisoning
  • Gases and fumes, like carbon monoxide and farming and industrial byproducts
  • Animals
  • Personal care products
  • Gardening products
  • Bites and stings
  • Any item that has given an individual an unwanted or unexpected reaction

Calling IPC is faster and a lot less expensive than a visit to urgent care or an emergency room. Most poisonings are not life-threatening and can be handled at home with the help of a specialist, saving you a lot of time and money. In the event an individual is sent to a hospital, IPC will speak with the doctors and nurses to develop a treatment plan. IPC will monitor that patient until the incident is resolved and the patient is medically cleared.

Click here for more information about what happens when you call IPC.

IPC is committed to educating the general public and health professionals about poison prevention. Public education is available through:

  • Educational materials
  • Programs for children and adults
  • Classes and presentations to community organizations
  • Webinars
  • On-site training
  • Publications

If you have (or think you have) a poison emergency, or would just like some information on poison prevention, please contact the Indiana Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.