January 26, 2026

Intentional self-poisoning is the most common method by which youth attempt suicide. The complexity and severity of poisoning and overdose cases managed by the IPCC is increasing.

1. The IPCC is providing a vital service for all Iowans.

  • The IPCC provides 24/7 poison information and emergency treatment advice for all Iowans.
  • Experts at the IPCC manage more than 23,000 cases each year and make over 50,000 follow-up calls.
  • Calls are answered by a team of nurses, pharmacists, and physicians specially trained in toxicology.
  • 55% of cases involve children under 19 years of age.
  • Doctors and nurses frequently rely on the IPCC for expert advice on poisoning cases.
  • The IPCC provides public and professional education throughout Iowa.
  • The IPCC is one of 53 accredited poison centers in the U.S. participating in a real-time surveillance system that monitors for emerging health threats (new drugs of abuse, newly introduced products).

2. The IPCC saves lives and money.

  • IPCC staff provide healthcare professionals with immediate treatment recommendations, including 24/7 access to on-call medical toxicologists for severe and complex cases.
  • Nearly 90% of cases in children under 6 years are safely managed at home with our expertise, avoiding unnecessary ER visits and ambulance transports and saving at least $15 million each year.
  • Savings to Iowa’s Medicaid program are at least $6 million annually in avoided medical costs.
  • A new RAND study (Jan 2026) shows U.S. Poison Centers save $3.1 billion every year in medical costs and lost productivity. The report estimates that for every $1 invested in poison center services, communities receive $16.77 in benefits. These cost-saving benefits reflect reduced emergency department use, shortened hospital stays, decreased mortality risk, enhanced public health surveillance, and improved patient outcomes. https://poisoncenters.org/national-impact-study

3. The IPCC represents a unique public-private partnership.

  • The IPCC is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
  • The State appropriation of $750,000 (27% of IPCC’s FY26 budget), provide state matching funds necessary to draw down the maximum federal funding authorized under CHIP.
  • All Iowa hospitals partner with the IPCC and provide financial contributions to support its operation.
  • U.S. HRSA grants support the nation’s 53 poison centers and funds the national toll-free number.
  • In-kind services are a vital part of helping the IPCC deliver services 24/7/365 for all Iowans.

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