Danny Davis: “I rise today to urge you to support S. 632, the Poison Center Enhancement and Awareness Act of 1997. This important…”

“I rise today to urge you to support S. 632, the Poison Center Enhancement and Awareness Act of 1997. This important legislation authorizes Congress to provide assistance to poison control, information and treatment centers nationwide through a grant-funding program that would be administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funding will be used to educate the public about the benefits of poison prevention and treatment, primarily through the ``Mr. Yuk'' campaign. The federal government should support poison control and treatment centers because they provide immediate, around-the-clock toxicity assessments and treatment recommendations over the telephone for all types of poisoning, overdoses and drug interactions affecting people of all ages. On a daily basis, parents, grandparents, child-care providers, teachers and health care providers consult these centers. Most calls are safely managed over the phone and referrals are made to health care facilities as appropriate. More severe cases are followed up so progress can be assessed and additional recommendations provided as necessary. The Illinois Poison Center (IPC), which is located in my congressional district, is the nation's oldest and Illinois' only remaining poison control, information and treatment center.”