Friday, November 22, 2024
11/22/2024
Poisonings, either accidental or intentional exposures to toxic or potentially toxic substances, are reported to poison centers more than 2,400,000 times annually. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has reported, "A conservative estimate of the economic burden of poisoning, not including the costs related to alcohol deaths is $12.6 billion (about $39 per person in the US) per year (2002 dollars), based on the societal lifetime cost of injury. The Southeast Texas Poison Center (SETPC) serves more than 8.4 million Texans by providing callers with immediate lifesaving assessment and treatment recommendations for poisoning exposures, including chemical or biological agents. SETPC specialists also provide information about medications, chemicals, plants, envenomation, nuclear agents and conduct follow-up calls to monitor patients' progress and outcomes. The SETPC also assists medical professionals (hospitals and physicians) and first responders - EMS, firefighters, and law enforcement personnel - to determine treatment for poisoned patients, drug use & abuse, and to identify and assist in homeland security related situations. The SETPC also serves as a source of public education to assist in reducing the risk of such toxic exposures. The purpose of the five-year support and enhancement grant program is to support efforts by poison control centers (PCCs) to prevent and provide treatment recommendations for poisonings and to comply with operational requirements needed to sustain accreditation. This grant aims to promote a comprehensive system for the delivery of high-quality poison control services nationwide. PCCs handle over 2.4 million poisoning exposures per year in the United States and are our nation's primary defense against injury and deaths from poisonings. Poisoning is the leading cause of injury-related death in the USA. Over half (52%) of all reported poisonings occur among children five years of age and under and over 67 % of poisoning exposures can be treated over the phone with guidance from PCC's trained healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, and certified specialists in poison information). Immediate access to poison control services has been proven to reduce severity of illness, death, and health care costs. The SETPC has the same goals as Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Poison Control Program (PCP) and will strive towards these goals by 1.) Using and promoting the national toll-free poison number (1-800-222-1222). 2.) Promotion and assistance of HRSA's Poison Help campaign 3.) Maintaining back up mechanisms for the 800 number in case of emergencies The focus of this grant is three-fold, to improve the quality of the provision of treatment recommendations for poisoning and to meet the medical and managing direction requirements set by the America's Poison Centers (APC) certification criteria. The SETPC will contribute to the reduction of non-fatal and fatal poisonings. Throughout the years of funding provided by the HRSA Poison Control Program (PCP) the SETPC has provided only the highest quality services. Initial HRSA dollars were used to stabilize staffing and to help maintain accreditation. The goals of this five-year grant cycle will be: 1. To provide high quality treatment recommendations for poisonings. 2. To stabilize medical and managing direction at the current certification standard. 3. The SETPC will contribute to the reduction of non-fatal and fatal poisonings
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
