Who We Are
The Indiana Poison Center (IPC) is the designated Regional Poison Information Center for Indiana and is accredited by America's Poison Centers. Funding and support are provided by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), Indiana University Health (IU Health), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)'s Poison Control Program, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA), and hospitals throughout the state.
IPC provides poison information, recommendations for decontamination and treatment of poison exposures, education for community members and healthcare providers, public health surveillance, hazmat and disaster response, and much more for the entire state of Indiana - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are free to the public and completely confidential.
Calling IPC is faster and less expensive than a visit to urgent care or an emergency room. Most poisonings are not life threatening and can be handled at home with the help of one of our highly-trained and friendly Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs), saving you precious time and money. Since the center was founded in 1979, our SPIs have handled more than 2.8 million cases, including calls about:
- Intentional and unintentional exposures involving prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins
- Recreational drugs, including alcohol
- Personal care products, cleaning products, essential oils, and other household items
- Heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and others
- Gases, fumes, and vapors, such as carbon monoxide, pesticides, fertilizers and agricultural products, and industrial chemicals
- Food poisoning and botulism
- Envenomation by snakes, spiders, and insects
- Toxic plants and mushrooms
IPC is committed to educating the general public and health professionals about poison prevention. Public education is available through:
- Educational materials
- Programs for children and adults
- Classes and presentations to community organizations
- Webinars
- On-site training
- Publications
If you have (or think you have) a poison emergency, or would just like some information on poison prevention, please contact the Indiana Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
What Happens When You Call IPC
The SPI who answers your call will ask questions about the substance(s) suspected or confirmed to be involved, any symptoms the patient is experiencing, whether any treatment has already been provided, and other information needed to formulate a plan and provide recommendations for treatment and/or symptom management. Helpful things to have when calling IPC include:
- When and where the exposure happened
- The patient's symptoms, if any
- The original bottle, container, or packaging for the product
- The patient's age, approximate weight, medical history, medications (if any), and current location
- The caller's ZIP code
- The name of the closest hospital
- A good phone number in case any follow-up is needed
All information is kept strictly confidential, and callers may remain anonymous if they so choose. In the event that in-person medical evaluation and/or treatment is needed, the SPI will call ahead to the patient's preferred hospital and work with the doctors and nurses to develop a treatment plan. IPC will then continue to monitor the patient until symptoms have resolved or the risk has passed.
Click here for more information about what happens when you call IPC.
America's Poison Centers
America's Poison Centers (APC) supports the 53 U.S. poison centers and the physicians, pharmacists, nurses, health educators, and administrative support they employ in the effort to prevent and treat poison exposures. APC's mission is to actively advance the health care role and public health mission of its members through information, advocacy, education, and research. APC also provides opportunities for its members to collaborate with other poison control providers across the world.
Indiana University Health
Indiana University Health (IU Health) is Indiana’s most comprehensive healthcare system. IU Health is comprised of hospitals, physicians, and allied services dedicated to providing preeminent care throughout Indiana and beyond. IU Health’s mission is to improve the health of patients and community through innovation and excellence in care, education, research, and service. Its partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the nation’s leading medical schools, gives patients access to innovative treatments and therapies.
Indiana Department of Health
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is the state’s lead public health agency. Their mission is to promote and provide essential public health services, with a vision for a healthier and safer Indiana. IDOH has the following core values: health promotion and prevention, vaccines, equitable care, vital records, health protection, collaboration with local health departments, data collection, analysis and information dissemination, and evidence-based best practices for public health promotion, training, and health care quality.
Indiana Family & Social Services Administration
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) was established by the Indiana General Assembly in 1991 to consolidate and better integrate the delivery of human services by state government. FSSA is a health care and social services funding agency. The eight care divisions in FSSA administer services to more than 1.5 million Hoosiers. HRSA’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty by providing Hoosiers with the healthcare, social services, and support necessary to achieve lasting economic independence through thoughtfully designed and fiscally sustainable programs.
Health Resources and Services Administration
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to healthcare services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. Comprising six bureaus and ten offices, HRSA provides leadership and financial support to healthcare providers in every state and U.S. territory. HRSA’s mission is to improve health and achieve health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative programs.