Accidental Poisoning Arkansas Department of Health

Accidental Poisoning

In 2014, 1102 Arkansans were hospitalized by accidental poisoning and 207 deaths occurred. The Arkansas Department of Health is combating the fight against Accidental poisoning by providing educational programs and take back events for all of Arkansas. The CDC has identified painkillers such as hydrocodone and oxycodone as being commonly used. Accidental poisoning is the third leading cause of death and the fourth leading cause of hospitalization for all ages in 2014 among Arkansans. If you would like more information about accidental poison prevention, please call 501-683-0707.

The purpose for this program is to reduce or eliminate accidental poisoning deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits for all Arkansans. This will be done by increasing participation in Drug Take Back events, increasing utilization of evidence-based and best practice programs and interventions, integrating prevention efforts across service sectors, increasing timeliness and usefulness of surveillance system, and improving the ability to collect, analyze, and use information.

Accidental Poisoning Prevention Program

The Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) was created in 1973 by the UAMS College of Pharmacy and was also recognized by the State of Arkansas as the official Poison Center for the State. The center is staffed 24-hours a day by licensed nurses and pharmacists under the directions of a board-certified medical toxicologist.

In Arkansas, 91% of accidental poisonings are the result of drug overdoses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), painkillers like hydrocodone are commonly involved. While this issue usually affects adults, over 60,000 children are seen each year in emergency departments for accidental poisoning, usually because they got into medicines without their parent’s knowledge. Accidental poisoning was the third cause of accidental injury death for all ages in 2014 among Arkansans.

Downloads

Office	Address	Phone	Fax
Injury and Violence Prevention	4815 West Markham Street, Slot 10 Little Rock, AR 72205	501-671-1449	501-682-0427

Arkansas Department of Health

Accidental Poisoning

Prevention & Healthy Living