American Association of Poison Control Centers

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American Association of Poison Control Centers
AbbreviationAAPCC
Formation1958
TypeNon-profit organization
HeadquartersArlington, Virginia, United States
Region served
United States
Websitewww.aapcc.org


The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) is a national non-profit organization that represents the nation’s poison control centers. Founded in 1958, the AAPCC is dedicated to actively advancing the health care role and public health mission of its member centers.

History[edit | edit source]

The AAPCC was established in 1958 to support the efforts of poison control centers across the United States. The organization was created to provide a unified voice for these centers, to promote the development of uniform standards, and to advocate for the interests of poison control centers at the national level.

Functions[edit | edit source]

The AAPCC performs several key functions:

  • Certification and Accreditation: The AAPCC certifies poison control centers and ensures they meet certain standards of service and care.
  • Data Collection and Surveillance: The AAPCC manages the National Poison Data System (NPDS), which is the only comprehensive, near real-time poisoning surveillance database in the United States.
  • Public Education and Outreach: The organization provides educational resources and campaigns to inform the public about poison prevention and safety.
  • Advocacy: The AAPCC advocates for policies and legislation that support poison control centers and public health initiatives related to poisoning.

National Poison Data System (NPDS)[edit | edit source]

The NPDS is a critical tool used by the AAPCC to monitor and analyze data related to poison exposures and incidents. It collects data from poison control centers across the country and provides valuable insights into trends and emerging threats in toxicology.

Public Health Impact[edit | edit source]

Poison control centers, supported by the AAPCC, play a vital role in public health by providing immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances. They help reduce emergency room visits and healthcare costs by providing effective guidance and management of poisoning cases.

Also see[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Medical organizations in the United States

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD