Iowa Poison Control Center Celebrates 25 Years of Lifesaving Service to All Iowans

August 2025, the Iowa Poison Control Center (IPCC) proudly marks 25 years of continuous service to all 99 counties in Iowa. From its humble beginnings as a single phone in a closet-sized space at St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City the IPCC has grown into a statewide operation headquartered in the MidAmerican Energy building at 401 Douglas Street, Sioux City. Today, more than 20 dedicated professionals specially trained in toxicology, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, work around the clock to provide information and treatment advice to the public and healthcare providers when they need it most.

As one of just 53 nationally accredited poison control centers in the country, the IPCC manages over 23,000 cases and makes 50,000 follow-up calls on these cases each year. The center’s highly trained team assists with everything from accidental childhood exposures to complex poison emergencies. About 37% of all cases involve children under six, and over one-third of all calls come from hospital staff treating poisoned patients.

Linda Kalin, Executive Director and founding voice of the IPCC, reflects on the journey: “This isn’t just a job – it’s a calling. I remember those first days, helping people in crisis with nothing but a phone and our medical training. Now, 25 years later, our team has grown, technology has changed, but our purpose remains the same: to be here for Iowans, anytime they need us. We’re deeply grateful to everyone – healthcare professionals, first responders, families, and supporters – who has been a part of this journey.”

The IPCC not only saves lives, but also saves millions in healthcare costs each year. Over ninety percent of public calls are managed at home, avoiding unnecessary trips to hospitals and doctors and saving Iowans over $12.5 million annually. Nearly half of callers are covered by Medicaid, resulting in significant savings for the state as well.

Beyond emergency response, the IPCC is a teaching site for future healthcare professionals and a key player in national poison surveillance. As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Poison Center operates through strong public-private partnerships, with funding from state and federal programs, Iowa hospitals, and private donors.

The stories that come through the IPCC’s lines are as varied as Iowa itself: parents worried about toddlers eating gummy vitamins, farmers accidentally exposed to animal vaccines, emergency department doctors seeking advice during life-threatening overdoses, and even the occasional call involving superglue mishaps. Every call is a reminder of why this service matters.