Roskam Poison Center Funding Legislation Clears Last Hurdle to Becoming Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed H.R. 3527, The Poison Center Network Act. Roskam is a lead cosponsor of the legislation and helped move it through the House of Representatives earlier this month. It now heads to the president’s desk for his signature.

“The Poison Center Network Act is headed for President Obama’s desk after clearing the final hurdle to become law yesterday. This is fantastic news for our local communities and the medical professionals who rely on poison control centers for their expertise to help respond to emergencies, save lives, and save on medical expenses. Last year, the Illinois Poison Center prevented nearly 35,000 Emergency Room visits, and for every $1 spent on poison centers, the government saved over $13 in reduced health care costs and lost output,” said Roskam. “Poison centers are an important priority and I am pleased that Congress worked together to ensure they receive the resources they need to continue their life-saving work.”

“On behalf of the Illinois Poison Center, I would like to thank Congressman Roskam and the entire Illinois delegation for their support of the Poison Center Network Act,” said Dr. Michael Wahl, Medical Director of the IPC. “This legislation will help protect our nations’ poison centers and the critical services they provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; saving lives and reducing unnecessary health care spending.”

Last month, Congressman Roskam and the Illinois Poison Center held an event at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital to bring awareness to the meaningful work the Center and community hospitals do to  provide critical resources to medical staff and patients year-round.  

###