Calls for Help Span All Ages and Substances
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (February 7, 2025) – Every day, people of all ages turn to us for help with poison-related emergencies. In 2024, the Upstate New York Poison Center handled 44,376 human exposure cases, providing immediate, expert guidance to prevent serious harm and unnecessary hospital visits. With more than 84,000 total calls (incoming and follow-ups), we remain a vital resource for our communities across 54 counties by calling 1-800-222-1222.
What Are People Calling About?
Our top five poisoning exposures in 2024 highlight common household risks:
Top 5 Pharmaceutical Exposures:
- Pain medications (analgesics)
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Sedatives or hypnotics
- Cardiovascular drugs
- Household cleaning products
- Cosmetics and personal care items
- Foreign objects (e.g., swallowed batteries, toys, coins)
- Pesticides
- Alcohols
Intentional Poisonings Remain Alarmingly Steady
Once again, our calls related to suspected suicide or self-harm, remain at around 13% of our total case volume. "It is deeply concerning that intentional poisonings continue to hold steady," says operations director, Michele Caliva. "If you suspect self-harm by poisoning, including but not limited to overdosing on medication, call us at 1-800-222-1222. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, thoughts of suicide, or self-harm, call or text 988 for immediate mental health support.”
You are not alone, and help is available. If you are concerned for yourself or a friend regarding suicide by poisoning, check out our new resources at: https://bit.ly/40Us5hM
Cannabis Exposures Continue to Be a Concern
Cannabis-related exposures remain a focus, with 540 cases reported in 2024. Of those, 323 involved cannabis edibles, and the largest group affected was children under five. Young children can become very sick after ingesting cannabis, often requiring a trip to the hospital. To address this, we provided 17,000+ cannabis safety materials, including look-alike posters that highlight the dangers of mistaking cannabis edibles for regular snacks.
Our Impact: Keeping People Safe and Reducing Health Care Costs
- 70% of calls are for unintentional poisonings
- 68% of calls are managed at home
- 38% of cases are related to kids five and under
To read more about our 2024 data, please check out our brand-new Annual Report.
In the case of a poisoning or for information purposes, call the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Each year our center manages more than 50,000 calls from health care providers, 911 operators, hospitals, industry, schools, and the general public in our 54-county service area.
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About Upstate New York Poison Center
Housed inside Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, the Upstate New York Poison Center is dedicated to reducing the number, cost and severity of poisonings within its designated 54-county service area as mandated by New York State Law. The Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to both health professionals and the general public at 1-800-222-1222.
About Upstate Medical University
SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, is the only academic medical center in Central New York. It is also the region's largest employer with 9,460 employees. Affiliated with the State University of New York, Upstate's mission is to improve the health of the community through education, biomedical research and health care.
