Children's Health

Regional Poison Center Receives Recertification

The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Regional Poison Center has received recertification from the American Association of Poison Control Centers. It is one of 52 certified poison centers across the country.

“Certification is a quality guarantee,” said John H. Trestrail, RPh, FAACT, DABAT, managing director, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Regional Poison Center. “We draw upon national resources to provide consistent and accurate assistance with poisoning or potential poisonings. Certification is a mark of distinction that demonstrates our ability to handle any poison-related issue.”

The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Regional Poison Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its staff includes a pharmacist, a physician, 15 registered nurses and one secretary. Funding from the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation enables the poison center to operate at no charge to the caller.

The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Regional Poison Center has handled more than 1.2 million calls since its inception in 1975. The center handles calls from 63 of Michigan’s 83 counties. Individuals in need of poison intervention should call 1 (800) 222-1222 for assistance.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is West Michigan’s largest children’s hospital, serving children and families throughout a 37-county region. The team includes more than 100 specialists uniquely skilled in providing medical care to children, in over 40 outpatient clinical settings. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is committed to caring for children and families with compassion, excellence and innovation.