“We cannot allow Illinois to become the only state in the Union without a poison control center. This is literally a life-and-death issue.” - State Senator Don Harmon

SPRINGFIELD – After years of federal and state budget cuts, the Illinois Poison Center is in imminent danger of closing its doors if it can’t find another source of income. State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) has a plan that could help the life-saving resource keep its doors open.

“We cannot allow Illinois to become the only state in the Union without a poison control center,” Harmon said. “This is literally a life-and-death issue.”

The Illinois Poison Center, which handles nearly 82,000 cases of potential poisoning each year, has announced that it will close June 30 if a solution cannot be found.

State lawmakers – particularly Senator Harmon – have tried to find additional funding for the poison control center every year, but at a time when the state has been forced to cut funding for schools, prisons and other vital services, there’s no extra money to be found. The state’s budget shortfall is expected to be particularly bad this year because the Illinois income tax rate is scheduled to drop.

Harmon’s plan does not rely on the income tax or other state appropriations. Instead, it directs a small portion of the fee charged by cell phone companies to pay for 911 services – 2 cents per user – to pay for poison control services. This money will not come out of 911 funding, but rather the administrative fee charged by cell phone companies.

“We are honored that Senator Harmon remains a committed champion in protecting the Illinois Poison Center and the health of his constituents and those throughout the state,” said IPC Medical Director Dr. Michael Wahl. “This important legislation will help to ensure that the IPC remains operational to help protect and save lives in Illinois.”

The legislation is Senate Bill 2674.