In 2025, the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety (RMPDS) program at Denver Health managed more than 40,000 poison center cases in Colorado. The center provides round-the-clock support to families, individuals, and medical professionals to prevent poisonings.
A recent independent study by RAND, commissioned by America’s Poison Centers, evaluated the impact of poison centers across the United States. According to the report, these centers save communities $3.1 billion annually in medical costs and lost productivity. The findings indicate that for every dollar invested in poison center services, communities benefit by $16.77. This is due to reduced emergency department visits, shorter hospital stays, decreased mortality risk, improved public health surveillance, and better patient outcomes.
Despite their demonstrated value and modernization efforts—including new text and live chat services—funding for poison centers has declined by 8% between 2011 and 2024 when adjusted for inflation. These budget reductions are seen as a growing challenge amid increasing healthcare costs.
Shireen Banerji, PharmD, DABAT, Clinical Toxicologist and RMPDS Director said: “This study confirms what we experience on every call — fast access to our specialists can keep people safe at home, prevent costly ER visits, and guide health care providers in treating complex cases. We are here 24/7 for Colorado families, visitors, caregivers, and clinicians.”
Beyond providing guidance on poisoning cases at all hours to both the public and healthcare workers, RMPDS also supports disaster response efforts; offers medication safety education; works on substance use and overdose prevention; conducts product surveillance; and collaborates with local and state public health agencies.
For more information or to access the full report from America’s Poison Centers titled “Poison Prevention, Treatment, and Detection as Public Health Investments,” visit https://poisoncenters.org/national-impact-study. For immediate assistance regarding potential poisoning or related questions contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or visit https://www.poisonhelp.org/. More details about RMPDS are available at https://rmpds.org/.
