The Tennessee Poison Center, based in Nashville, is the only poison control center serving Tennessee. It provides critical services to about 7.13 million residents across all 95 counties.
It offers guidance to the public and health care professionals on preventing and managing poisonings caused by exposure to drugs, chemicals, plants, animals and other substances. The center also operates a rapid response team to monitor and respond to viral, chemical and biological threats, as well as provide around-the-clock surveillance for biochemical terrorism.
Approximately 47% of reported poison exposures involve children under age 6. However, accidental poisonings can occur at any age, with adults accounting for 90% of poison-related deaths.
In 2024, the Tennessee Poison Center handled 51,858 calls through its free Poison Help Hotline at 800-222-1222. The multilingual helpline, available 24/7, is a resource for individuals seeking advice on potential poison exposures. Callers can receive free treatment guidance from certified poison specialists and board-certified toxicologists.
An estimated 83% of helpline users reported they would have sought emergency medical care without this resource in 2023. By providing free, accessible advice, the helpline supported Tennessee taxpayers in saving about $21.4 million in medical expenses.
“The Tennessee Poison Center is your 24/7/365 resource regarding poisoning and drug information. The poison help hotline phone number is 800-222-1222 and should be called first in most poison exposures. However, if someone is in acute distress (unresponsive, having a seizure, not breathing well, turning blue), call 911 right away for immediate assistance and notify them a poisoning has occurred. Emergency medical personnel can call the Poison Center after they ensure medical care is coming to you,” said Rebecca Bruccoleri, MD, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine and medical director of the Tennessee Poison Center.
Anything can be poisonous if misused or taken in the wrong amounts. Poison exposures can happen anywhere — at home, work or during recreational activities. The Tennessee Poison Center’s Poison Help Hotline at 800-222-1222 is always available to help protect you and your loved ones.
To learn more about the Tennessee Poison Center and its educational resources visit https://www.vumc.org/poison-control/home.
