RAND Study Confirms the Value of Poison Centers
A recent independent study by the RAND Corporation confirms that the U.S. Poison Center Network plays a vital role in protecting public health while reducing healthcare costs nationwide. The analysis found that Poison Centers generate an estimated $3.1 billion each year in healthcare savings and societal benefits by helping people avoid unnecessary emergency care, reducing hospital stays, lowering the risk of death, and strengthening public health surveillance.
Strong Healthcare Savings and Return on Investment
Poison Centers deliver exceptional value to communities. According to the RAND study, every $1 invested in Poison Center services returns approximately $16.77 in benefits. These savings come from fewer emergency department visits, reduced emergency transportation costs, shorter hospital stays, and improved treatment outcomes.
The study also estimates that Poison Centers help prevent $825 million in avoidable emergency department costs each year, easing strain on already overburdened healthcare systems.
A Critical Public Health and Safety Resource
Poison Centers provide free, confidential, expert guidance 24/7 and play an essential role beyond individual emergencies. Through the National Poison Data System (NPDS), Poison Centers contribute real-time data used to detect emerging threats, monitor product safety, and support emergency preparedness and response efforts across the country.
Doing More With Less
Despite their growing importance, Poison Centers have experienced an 8% decrease in federal, state, and private funding since 2011, even as case complexity and service demands continue to rise. These funding challenges threaten the ability of Poison Centers to maintain essential, life-saving services around the clock.
What This Means for Michigan
As Michigan’s only Poison Center, the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center (MiPDC) is part of this nationwide system, providing free, expert support to residents and healthcare professionals while helping reduce unnecessary healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes statewide.
