Texas Poison Center Networks
Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) was created in 1993. Texas has six regional poison centers that provide 24-hour access to free immediate medical advice for Texans. Anyone can access these services by calling a 24-hour, toll-free hotline, any day of the year. Physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and educators trained in toxicology answer all calls.
These centers help provide the public, hospitals, emergency responders, and health care providers with information and treatment for:
- Poisonous substances
- Hazardous substances
- Adverse reactions to food, plants, and other substances
- Bites and stings
- Drug overdoses
- And more!
TPCN provides other services that include:
- Answering public questions during health emergencies
- Educating the public and health professionals about accidental poisoning
- Referring callers to the nearest hospital and assisting in the treatment
DSHS supports TPCN by:
- Analyzing poison center call data to find poisoning trends and patterns in Texas
- Tracking poison center calls related to emergency events
- Providing data on exposures of concern
- Fulfilling data requests
Calls to poison centers are voluntary and confidential. Callers can give as much or as little information as they want.
Regional Poison Centers
Each of the poison centers is a member of and certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). The poison centers answer calls according to their designated geographic areas in Texas. The centers are part of host hospitals, linked by a sophisticated telecommunications network.
Click on the map to enlarge. Texas Poison Center Map (PDF)
Central Texas Poison Center
Scott & White Memorial Hospital – Temple
North Texas Poison Center
Dallas County Hospital District – Dallas
Texas Panhandle Poison Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Amarillo
Southeast Texas Poison Center
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
South Texas Poison Center
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
West Texas Regional Poison Center
University Medical Center and El Paso County Hospital District
Additional Information
- Senate Bill 773 that created TPCN: (Health and Safety Code 777)
- Texas Poison Center Network
- American Association of Poison Control Centers
- HIPAA letter from General Counsel allowing providers to give patient information to TPCN
- TPCN Data and Data Requests