About Us
The Nebraska Regional Poison Center is a free, 24-hour emergency
telephone service designed to assess and make treatment recommendations during possible
poisonings. The Nebraska Regional Poison Center also provides public and professional
education programs, collects data on poisonings, conducts research in the field
of clinical toxicology and assists first responders during hazardous materials incidents.
Nebraska Regional Poison Center Staff
Medical Director: Ronald Kirschner, M.D.
Associate Medical Director: Claudia Barthold, M.D.
Managing Director: Kathy Jacobitz, B.S.N, R.N., C.S.P.I.
Supervisor: Marcia Rasmussen, R.N. C.S.P.I.
Educator: Joan McVoy, R.N., C.S.P.I.
12 Certified Specialists in Poison Information
2 RN Specialist in Poison Information
Facts about the Nebraska Regional Poison Center:
- Established in 1957, it is one of the oldest poison centers in the United States.
- It is the designated poison center for Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, American Samoa, and the Federated
States of Micronesia.
- One of 57 poison centers in the United States. Certified as a regional poison
center by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
- Operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week with full information and treatment capabilities.
- Funded by The Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, State
of Nebraska, State of Wyoming, State of Idaho, HRSA grants and Nebraska hospitals.
- Handled 37,790 incoming calls in 2011
- 26,104 follow-up calls were made by NRPC staff
- Poison exposure to children under six-years-old accounted for 58% of the phone calls
made to the poison center in 2011.
- Eighty-four percent of the poisoning exposures were unintentional.
- Three quarters of the poisoning exposures were treated safely
at home with poison center advice and follow-up.
The Nebraska Regional Poison Center provides a community education program through
printed materials and audio-visuals. Professional
education programs are also available. For more information including "Teachers
Packets, Brochures, or Seasonal Hazards," check out Public
education.