Quick Tip: Do you have the Poison Control Center number saved in your phone? At home or on your way, we provide 24-hour service every day.
Need for Poison Prevention Education
In 2022 the Palmetto Poison Center received over 31,000 calls from South Carolinians
seeking advice on poison related exposures and information. Over 50% of calls involve exposures in patients under the age of seventeen. Frequent poison exposures can come from commonly-found household items such as cosmetics,
household cleaners, medications, and pesticides.
How We Can Help
The Palmetto Poison Center at USC is dedicated to helping all residents and health care providers in the state of South Carolina. In additional to our 24/7/365 hotline services, we are committed to raising awareness about poison-related topics through our educational outreach programs. Explore our free educational program offerings below:
Preschool Program
Children are given a hands-on- approach to learning about poisons. Through open discussion and activities, little tykes learn to stay away from poisons, what poisons might look like, to ask permission from an adult before they eat or drink anything, and what to do if something happens. They also receive free materials to be sent home to their parents to further reinforce poison prevention.
Elementary Program
Through curriculum aligned with the South Carolina Education standards children are taught about poison prevention through open discussion, planned activities, and pre- and post-testing. Teachers are provided with a lesson plan and worksheets to reinforce the concept of poison prevention. The children also receive free materials to be sent home to their parents to further reinforce poison prevention. These programs may be facilitated through the school nurse or individual teachers.
Middle/High School Program
Through curriculum aligned with the South Carolina Education standards students receive information and instruction about poisons and poison prevention. They also receive information on “poisons of abuse.” These informational topics are developed based on the current trends. Teachers are provided with a lesson plan and supplemental material. Students also receive free information to be sent home to further reinforce poison prevention.
The Palmetto Poison Center offers programs all year long at a variety of community events. Call and schedule your event early to reserve a time. We have numerous community partners that we collaborate with at events such as Safe Kids, Department of Social Services, Crescent Health, faith-based organizations, and more.
Requests for educator presentations can be made by calling 803-777-0570. Ask us about arranging on-site or remote education events for health care providers, educational institutions, human-interest organizations, and other businesses. Additional poison prevention educational resources can be requested online.