FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN
/The Poison Bill/
Editorial List
I have utilized the poison control center for
such varied loved ones as my grandfather and my
puppy. I consulted them about my grandfather
due to ingesting medications prescribed for his wife
and my puppy when he sampled the pesticides newly
applied to the lawn. I also know that the
incidence for senior poisoning is up 30 percent in
recent years and access to poison control is of the
greatest importance to those raising small children.
Not to mention the hospital professionals who rely
on the poison control centers for timely advice
almost every day.
In 2009, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, unintentional poisoning
caused about 708,318 emergency room visits. So, you
would think every effort would be made to retain
adequate funding to support the lifesaving services
provided by our poison control system. Not so fast.
Just recently, The House of Representatives voted to
approve Measure H.R. 1 which includes a cut of $27.3
million from the federal poison control program.
Yet, the Senate rejected it. It is now subject
to negotiation in the final budget for this year.
Now, that’s a funny way to celebrate Poison
Prevention Week.
I think, as family and professional caregivers,
it is important to make sure our voices are heard
with a resounding – Are you kidding?!
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com
