Board receives award from Illinois Poison Center
County's strong support instrumental in keeping center's doors open
JOLIET, IL – The Will County Board today accepted the Lifesaver of the Year award from the Illinois Poison Center for its strong support this past spring in urging state lawmakers to continue funding the nation's longest-standing poison center.
"Any parent who has faced the terror of a child accidentally ingesting a potentially deadly substance will tell you how this service is vitally important," said board member Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville), vice chair of the Legislative & Policy Committee. "The board was happy to advocate on behalf of the center and the many Will County residents who may need to make a call to it in the future."
"Any parent who has faced the terror of a child accidentally ingesting a potentially deadly substance will tell you how this service is vitally important," said board member Suzanne Hart (R-Naperville), vice chair of the Legislative & Policy Committee. "The board was happy to advocate on behalf of the center and the many Will County residents who may need to make a call to it in the future."
The Illinois Poison Center estimates it saves the state $52 million a year with a budget of only $4.3 million. Without its operation, more patients would rely on 911 and hospitals.
"This is a great example of why it's important for the board to go to Springfield and meet with our legislators to discuss solutions to important funding issues," said board member Bob Howard (D-Beecher), chair of the Legislative & Policy Committee. "The Illinois Poison Center does a tremendous job at controlling health care costs throughout the state by providing a service that prevents unnecessary visits to ERs and hospitals."
The center is able to treat 90 percent of people at home without referral to a health care facility. Nearly 90,000 people call the center every year.
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"This is a great example of why it's important for the board to go to Springfield and meet with our legislators to discuss solutions to important funding issues," said board member Bob Howard (D-Beecher), chair of the Legislative & Policy Committee. "The Illinois Poison Center does a tremendous job at controlling health care costs throughout the state by providing a service that prevents unnecessary visits to ERs and hospitals."
The center is able to treat 90 percent of people at home without referral to a health care facility. Nearly 90,000 people call the center every year.
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