VIRGINIA – It’s National Poison Prevention Week and UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center is warning about an alarming new trend.
The center has seen an uptick in calls for exposures to fentanyl and THC edibles, especially in children.
The center’s education coordinator, Kristin Wenger, says make sure to keep prescription and over-the-counter medicines and cleaning supplies out of reach of young children.
She says that even if you’re not sure there’s been a poisoning, don’t be afraid to call.
Wenger recommends that you save the hotline number in your cell phone in case you ever need it.
“You might need the number tomorrow or you might need to call us in 10 years. You don’t know. And when something happens and you’re upset, it can be difficult to find that number,” said Wenger.
The Blue Ridge Poison Center is a free and confidential service.
The 24-hour hotline is 1-800-222-1222.