Saratoga County, Upstate New York Poison Center Partner in Poison Prevention Efforts 

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Department of Health has partnered with Upstate New York Poison Center in the development of a dashboard to provide vital, localized poison data that organizations countywide can use for poison prevention education efforts.

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors announced the partnership –  believed the first of its kind in the state – during National Poison Prevention Week in March. 

Each year, the third week in March is dedicated to reminding families to safeguard their homes from potential poisonings and to urge everyone to save the Poison Control number, 1-800-222-1222, ahead of needing to call. 

In Saratoga County, officials are using the week to remind residents of the importance of poison prevention and how the poison data dashboard is helping to shape poison prevention education efforts.

“Understanding poison data is essential for effective prevention efforts, helping to identify risks, track trends, and guide public health strategies to protect communities from harmful exposures,” Saratoga County Department of Health Commissioner Daniel Kuhles said, in a statement. “I thank Upstate New York Poison Center for sharing their call data with our epidemiologists so we can track current data on potentially harmful substances that Saratoga County residents, young and old, are exposed to and help shape poison prevention efforts.”

Saratoga County Department of Health epidemiologists update the dashboard monthly, analyzing call data on exposures from harmful substances collected by Upstate New York Poison Center and identifying emerging hazards and high-risk populations in Saratoga County. 

The Upstate New York Poison Center serves 54 counties across New York State, providing lifesaving support and expert guidance during poisoning emergencies. 

According to the Dashboard Statistics: 

-Unintentional pediatric exposures to edibles are the most frequent reason for poison center calls about cannabis and have increased in recent years.

-In 2024 the top exposures to children 5 years old and under were personal care products/cosmetics; cleaning supplies; foreign bodies/toys/miscellaneous; pain medications; and vitamins. 

-The top exposures to adults age 20 and older in 2024 were sedatives, pain medications, antidepressants, alcohol, and cardiovascular drugs. 

Steps to prevent unintentional poisoning include: store medications and chemicals safely; read labels carefully; keep button batteries away from children, and dispose of unused medications properly. To the latter point, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office has a drug take-back drop box, accessible 24/7, in the County Jail lobby, located at 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa. 

To view the Saratoga County Poison Data Dashboard, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/DOH.