Archive
Explore the stories below to see how the Maryland Poison Center has made headlines in previous years.
To see the most recent news stories highlighting the Maryland Poison Center, please visit the News Center.
Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
2023:
Visit the 2023 News Archive webpage for a complete list of news stories published by the Maryland Poison Center in 2023.
2022:
Visit the 2022 News Archive webpage for a complete list of news stories published by the Maryland Poison Center in 2022.
2021:
Visit the 2021 News Archive webpage for a complete list of news stories published by the Maryland Poison Center in 2021.
2020:
Visit the 2020 News Archive webpage for a complete list of news stories published by the Maryland Poison Center in 2020.
2019:
Visit the 2019 News Archive webpage for a complete list of news stories published by the Maryland Poison Center in 2019.
2018:
Visit the 2018 News Archive webpage for a complete list of news stories published by the Maryland Poison Center in 2018.
2017:
Visit the 2017 News Archive webpage for a complete list of news stories published by the Maryland Poison Center in 2017.
2016:
Maryland Poison Center Celebrates National Poison Prevention Week
Date Published: March 1, 2016
Observed March 20-26, National Poison Prevention Week helps raise awareness about the dangers of poisonings and promotes steps that families can take to prevent them.
2015:
Maryland Poison Center Provides Data Tracking for State’s Naloxone Administration Program
Date Published: February 3, 2015
Tracking of patients who receive medication for treatment of opioid overdose will lead to better understanding of outcomes.
2014:
Mr. Yuk's Best Friend
Date Published: November 18, 2014
Director Bruce Anderson and his colleagues at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) handle more than 55,000 calls a year, providing critical help to people suffering potential poisonings and toxic exposures.
Nationwide Drug Take-Back Day Sees Record-Breaking Turnout
Date Published: May 30, 2014
MPC’s public education coordinator explains the importance of proper medication disposal.
National EMS Week Honors Lifesaving Work of Medicine’s “Front Line”
Date Published: May 21, 2014
MPC’s professional education and clinical coordinator Lisa Booze, PharmD, CSPI, explains how the center partners with EMS providers to improve patients’ health.
MPC's Anderson Interviewed in WBAL-TV Report "Poisoning Reports Increase with Popularity of 'Vaping'"
Date Published: May 13, 2014
The use of electronic smokeless cigarettes, known as "vaping," has become very popular, but the practice is fueling an alarming increase in accidental poisonings across the country, especially in children.
MPC’s Anderson Honored with USM Board of Regents Award
Date Published: March 21, 2014
Award represents the highest honor that the Board bestows to recognize exemplary faculty achievement.
Maryland Poison Center Celebrates National Poison Prevention Week
Date Published: March 17, 2014
Maryland Poison Center will join poison centers across the country in celebrating National Poison Prevention Week March 16-22.
MPC’s Bivens Makes Poison Safety Fun for Local Students
Date Published: January 23, 2014
“Always Ask First” and other poison prevention tips highlighted in first program of UMB’s new children’s wellness initiative at Port Discovery.
2013:
MPC Medical Director Awarded Best Platform at National Clinical Toxicology Conference
Date Published: October 11, 2013
Suzanne Doyon, MD, presented with prestigious recognition for research collaboration with Maryland’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
MPC Joins “Share Your Place” Pilot Project, Encourages Families to Practice Safe Medicine Storage
Date Published: June 18, 2013
Pilot social media photo sharing program offers families opportunity to share “their place” where medicines and vitamins are safely stored at home.
MPC Study Finds Non-Medical Use of Buprenorphine Associated with Better Medical Outcomes Versus Methadone
Date Published: June 6, 2013
Non-medical use of methadone associated with higher hospitalization rates, greater ICU admissions, and worse medical outcomes.
MPC Public Education Coordinator Speaks at Child-Resistant Packaging Seminar
Date Published: May 28, 2013
Presentation delivers real-world look at the importance of child-resistant packaging in preventing poisonings among young children.
National EMS Week Celebrates Life-Saving Work of Medicine’s First Responders
Date Published: May 22, 2013
Lisa Booze, PharmD, CSPI, professional education and clinical coordinator for the Maryland Poison Center, explains how EMS providers can partner with poison centers to improve patients' health.
MPC Research and Education Coordinator Speaks at Joint American-Israel Medical Toxicology Conference
Date Published: May 22, 2013
Presentation highlights pediatric and adult non-medical use of buprenorphine.
MPC's Bivens Discusses Hidden Household Dangers on Local News Program
Date Published: May 10, 2013
Interview emphasizes the importance of securely storing household products out of the sight and reach of young children.
Student Pharmacists Lead Successful Third Annual DEA Drug Take-Back Day
Date Published: May 7, 2013
Students collaborate with University police and the Maryland Poison Center to collect 83 pounds of expired or unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
EMS Providers Receive Lifesaving Training from the Maryland Poison Center
Date Published: April 15, 2013
Local conference features presentations about pre-hospital and in-hospital treatments for poisoning and overdose cases from MPC experts.
MPC Medical Director Named Co-Chair of Major Medical Toxicology Conference
Date Published: March 29, 2013
Doyon addresses “The Changing Faces of Antidotes” in her role as co-chair and moderator for the American College of Medical Toxicology’s Annual Scientific Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
MPC Director Discusses Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana in Local Radio Interview
Date Published: March 26, 2013
Dr. Bruce Anderson speaks with WYPR 88.1 about synthetic marijuana and the threat it poses to public health.
The Internet Can Literally Make You Sick
Date Published: March 21, 2013
In the event of a poison exposure, every second counts. The longer it takes to sift through pages of search results online, the greater the danger of negative health effects.
Maryland Poison Center Launches New Website
Date Published: March 18, 2013
New design and improved functionality enhances visitors’ experience and assists the MPC in its mission to decrease the cost and complexity of poisoning and overdose care.
National Poison Prevention Week Raises Awareness About Poison Safety and Prevention
Date Published: March 11, 2013
The Maryland Poison Center offers tips to keep families safe throughout the year.
MPC Directors Meet with Federal Legislators to Highlight Importance of Poison Center Network
Date Published: March 1, 2013
Drs. Anderson and Doyon visit Capitol Hill to advocate against further cuts to federal funding for poison centers.
2012:
MPC Celebrates 40 Years of Lifesaving Service with Balassone Lecture
Date Published: November 9, 2012
School of Pharmacy's Bruce Anderson recalls MPC's critical role from everyday household toxic exposures to nationwide crises.
AAPCC Report Finds Poison Centers Save More Than $1.8 Billion Every Year
Date Published: October 16, 2012
New report quantifies the value of the American poison center system.
Suzanne Doyon, MD, Wins Maryland Health Data Innovation Award
Date Published: May 18, 2012
Suzanne Doyon, MD, medical director of the Maryland Poison Center, took the first place judge's award in the Maryland Health Data Innovation Contest for her submission titled "Improving the Reporting of Fatal and Non-Fatal Drug Overdoses".
Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Date Published: April 28, 2012
The most recent DEA-led National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day occurred on April 28, 2012. Citizens turned in a record-breaking 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,659 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Poison Centers at Forefront in Identifying New Public Health Threats
Date Published: January 12, 2012
America’s 57 poison centers are among the first to identify emerging public health threats, most recently leading to the DEA's ban on bath salts and synthetic marijuana. Despite the life-saving services provided by poison centers, however, state and federal funding cuts jeopardize the future of a nationwide poison center system.
2011:
Date Published: November 2011
The Maryland Poison Center and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene warn that certain face creams, including "Crema Aguamary" can contain high levels of mercury. In general, stores in Maryland should not be selling these products; in some cases the product has been bought outside of the United States.
American Association of Poison Control Centers Warns About Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana Products and "Bath Salts"
Date Published: May 11, 2011
Doctors and clinicians at U.S. poison centers say that a synthetic version of marijuana has resulted in symptoms such as increased heart rate, agitation, confusion and nausea. These products are sold as "K2", "spice", "genie" and "JWH-018". These products continue to cause serious health risks across our country.
Maryland Poison Center Researchers Win Award
Date Published: January 2011
Drs. Wendy Klein-Schwartz and Suzanne Doyon from the Maryland Poison Center and University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, along with Dr. John D. Sorkin from University of Maryland School of Medicine, received the Ronald Mann award for top paper published in the Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety in 2010.
2010:
FDA Launches New Website for Drug Disposal
The FDA has issued further guidance for the disposal of outdated and unused medications. The agency has developed a list of medications that should be flushed down the toilet when they are no longer needed. Medications not on the list should be disposed of in the trash in a sealed bag after combining them with an undesirable substance like kitty litter or coffee grounds.
Recent Toy Recall Information
View the latest toy recall information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
2009:
Concerns have been raised about the problem of liver injury related to acetaminophen. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held an advisory committee meeting on June 29-30, 2009.