The Southeast Texas Poison Center is located at The University of Texas Medical Branch Campus in Galveston, Texas. The Southeast Texas Poison Center (SETPC) is one of a network of six regional centers established by the Texas Legislature to provide prevention and emergency treatment information to Texas residents and healthcare providers concerning poisonings or toxic exposures. The SETPC also conducts public education activities for teachers, students, and other groups in an effort to create safer environments for Texas residents. You may reach the experts at the poison center by dialing (800) 222-1222 any time. This 800 number is a toll-free national number developed and maintained by the American Association of Poison Control Centers. It works similar to 911 in that all calls are directed to the nearest poison center, which is available 24 hours a day and has the capability to translate calls from a variety of other languages, including Spanish.

Poison Center History

• 1953 - 1st Poison Center: Chicago
• 1958 - AAPCC (National Association)
• 1959 - UTMB Poison Center founded
• 1972 - Dedicated staff (Southeast Texas PC)
• 1978 - Texas State Poison Center
• 1994 - Texas Poison Center Network Begins
  Southeast - UTMB, Galveston
  South - UTHSC-SA, San Antonio
  West - West Thomason Hospital, El Paso
  Panhandle - TTU School of Pharmacy, Amarillo
  North - Parkland Hospital, Dallas
  Central - Scott and White Hospital, Temple
• 2002 - National Number: 800-222-1222

Funding for the poison center is provided by the Texas Department of Health Services, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration in the Department of Health and Human Services, and through public or private donations.

Message from the Director