Jacksonville, Fla. – On May 30, the Florida Poison Information Center (FPIC) at Shands Jacksonville will celebrate 10 years since it began providing emergency poison treatment recommendations to the public and health care providers. Over the past decade, the FPIC has delivered emergency care to the northern 42 counties of Florida, including 139 health care facilities and six million people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To celebrate 10 years of service to Florida residents, an Open House will be held May 30 at the poison center, located at 655 W. 8th St., from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For its 10th anniversary, the FPIC is undergoing significant technological upgrades funded by federal grants. “We are embarking on an aggressive campaign to use Web-based technology, distance learning and video conferencing to significantly enhance our educational role,” said Dawn Sollee, Pharm.D., a University of Florida clinical assistant professor of pharmacy and assistant director of the center. FPIC is also enhancing their computerized data collection system for real-time surveillance to assist with the detection of chemical/biological terrorism threats.
The FPIC Network was created by an act of the Florida Legislature in 1989 (s. 395.038, F.S.) with the center in Jacksonville opening part-time in early 1992, progressing to full-time in 1993. Currently, the FPIC handles approximately 200 incoming emergency calls per day and manages 82 percent of the calls in the home.
“Specially trained nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants and board certified toxicologists have access to the latest information regarding poisoning assessment and management techniques, aiding residents with their poisoning emergencies,” said Jay Schauben, Pharm.D., a UF clinical professor of pharmacy and director of FPIC at Jacksonville. “Educators are also available to provide poisoning prevention and awareness information/training at schools, health fairs, or wherever needed.”