SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) is sponsoring Senate Bill 1440 to protect the state's investment in the Illinois Poison Center (IPC), the nation's oldest poison center.

“Poison control centers help keep families safe," Morrison said.  “I am proud to support legislation that keeps these centers open in Illinois.”

The IPC, one of the busiest poison centers in the nation, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. In 2012, the IPC handled nearly 82,000 calls from across the state, with close to 49% of those calls involving children five years of age and under. The IPC's expert staff comprised of specially-trained pharmacists, nurses and physicians provides free, confidential treatment advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"We are honored that Senator Morrison is a champion in protecting the IPC and the health of their constituents and those throughout the state," said IPC Medical Director Dr. Michael Wahl. "This important legislation will help to ensure that the IPC can continue to protect and save lives in Illinois."

As the leading source of advanced toxicology consultation and training in the state, nearly 28% of the calls the IPC receives are from health care providers seeking expert treatment advice for their patients who have been exposed to a hazardous substance. The services provided by the IPC not only save lives, but also provide a significant return on investment. For every $1 in invested in the IPC, there is an estimated $13 savings in health care and lost productivity costs, helping to save Illinois tax payers more than $50 million dollars annually.

For more information on the IPC, please visit www.iIIinoispoisoncenter.org. If you or someone you know has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance, please call 1-800-222-1222.