The Southeast Texas Poison Center (SETPC) is a 24-hour poison emergency treatment and information resource for health care professionals and the public in southeast Texas. Located at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) in Galveston, the center serves a 28-county area that stretches from the Texas border with Louisiana through East Texas, Greater Houston, and coastal areas south to Matagorda County.
Poisoning is a leading cause of injury-related death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC research reveals that drugs—both pharmaceutical and illicit—cause the vast majority of poisoning deaths. In addition to medications and other drugs, SETPC has expertise in insect and snake bites, household chemicals, environmental toxins, poisonous plants and more.
The Texas Poison Center Network was established by the Texas Legislature in 1993, creating six regional poison centers to provide free emergency treatment information to the citizens of Texas for poisonings or toxic exposures. Access to this health care advice is available to both the lay public and to health care providers in the state.
By dialing 1-800-222-1222, Texans have personal access to a network of nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, and physicians who have extensive education, training, and expertise in the field of toxicology. If necessary, the staff may refer callers to the nearest hospital and assist in the person’s initial treatment and follow-up care.
The centers also provide public education activities for teachers, students, and citizens as well as professional educational opportunities for Texas health care providers. Education materials in English and Spanish are also available from the program, by calling 800-222-1222 or going online.
The Southeast Texas Poison Center is located in the Emergency Department on UTMB’s Galveston Campus. Other centers are in Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio and Temple.
For non-poison related questions, callers can reach the SETPC’s administrative line at 409-772-3307. Please keep in mind our administrative line is only answered during regular business hours. Please leave a message and allow up to two business days for a return call.