Mobile Courant

During a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) markup today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 passed unanimously out of committee with a vote of 21-0. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Poison Control Centers (PCC) Network program through 2029, providing critical care to millions of families in Alabama and across the nation. The bill will soon be presented to the full Senate for consideration. Identical legislation cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously in March.

Senator Tuberville delivered remarks while introducing the legislation during the Senate HELP Committee markup. He stated: “Chairman Sanders, Ranking Member Cassidy, Thank you for including this lifesaving legislation in today’s markup. I’m happy to introduce this bill with Sen. Murray—S.4351—is the Poison Control Center Reauthorization Act [of 2024]. This bill reauthorizes America’s Poison Control Center’s appropriations for five years through FY2029. There are 55 accredited U.S. poison centers in the United States serving all 50 states and territories."

He further emphasized: "Poison centers [and] dedicated teams of nurses, pharmacists, and toxicologists work to safeguard Americans by providing 24/7, 365 coverage. Their mission is simple: deliver top-tier care research, education advocacy to prevent poison-related harm, contain costs, and save lives."

Tuberville highlighted the importance of data management within these centers: "Poison Control Center data is uploaded into the National Poison Data System within five minutes of being entered into local surveillance—allowing identification of emerging public health threats."

He expressed particular pride in Alabama's contributions: "I’m particularly proud of the Alabama Poison Information Center at Children’s Hospital in Alabama. It was the 14th center established in the United States, and they have also developed the nation’s first comprehensive snake bite program including a post-discharge snake bite clinic."

Tuberville noted that "The Alabama Poison Control Center handled over 107,000 calls last year," adding that these centers not only save lives but also reduce healthcare costs significantly: "Of the incoming calls to the Alabama Center, 85% of those were able to be monitored in the home – meaning those folks did not have to visit the ER."

In conclusion, he stated: "I couldn’t be more proud of our center in Alabama and the other poison control centers across the country. I’m pleased to be able to lead this reauthorization with Senators Murray, Romney, and Lujan, and I look forward to the bill’s passage."

Last week, Senator Tuberville introduced this act alongside U.S. Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Mitt Romney (R-UT). The PCC Network program operates a national toll-free hotline (1-800-222-1222) along with 55 poison control centers nationwide staffed by toxicologists and medical professionals around-the-clock.

In 2022 alone, these centers responded to over two million human exposures—averaging an exposure case every 15 seconds.

The Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 aims to extend funding for these services through FY2029.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and serves on several committees including Armed Services; Agriculture; Veterans’ Affairs; and Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP).

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