From plants and animals to pesticides and even seemingly innocent household products, our world is filled with harmful, even deadly poisons. This week, Rotarians will learn a bit more about the importance of educating ourselves about poisoning and its treatment. Dr. John Fisher, Director of the Alabama Poison Center, will speak to the Club.

The Alabama Poison Center is a telephone information resource for both the public and health care professionals throughout Alabama. Staffed by qualified nurse specialists trained in toxicology, its members provide support for specialists in treating poison related illness.

The Center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and has been serving the citizens of Alabama for 30 years. Founded in March, 1979, it was first located at the DCH Emergency Department, and served the 150,000 people living the in the seven county West Alabama Emergency Management Services region until 1982. In June 1998, the APC relocated to the Shelton State Community College campus. In 2008, the Alabama Poison Center officially became a division within Shelton State Community College. Over 400,000 people have used its services.

The goals of the center are to provide telephone management and consultation advice; poison prevention materials; public and professional education; data collection on poisonings and treatment, and to advance research in poison and treatment. For more information, visit www.alapoisoncenter.org.