ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Rocky Mountain Poison Center Announce Collaboration

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Friday, 2 November 2001

New alliance to provide corporate America 24-Hour access to experts in veterinary & human toxicology

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center are pleased to announce their new partnership that will allow pharmaceutical and chemical companies the ability to provide their customers with access to the foremost authorities in the treatment of poisonings and drug interactions in humans and animals without compromising the quality of service. "Chemical compounds often react differently in humans than they do in canines and felines," said Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "Through this unique partnership, Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center can focus on its expertise -- human exposures and The ASPCA can focus on its expertise -- animal exposures, while providing the client with seamless customer service support."

In addition, this new alliance will offer Corporate America "one-stop-shopping" when looking for support with their Section 6(a)(2) of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide (FIFRA) Act and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. The partnership will allow a company to contract with Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center or The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and receive customized and confidential reports that cover all adverse reactions or effects that are the result of the EPA registered pesticides or FDA products.

"We are so excited that we are embarking upon this unprecedented relationship that will allow each of our poison control centers to compliment our existing services, expand the markets for our services and promote them as effectively as possible," said Kathleen Wruk, Managing Director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, an operating division of the ASPCA, is the only animal-oriented poison control center in North America. Established in 1978, the Center is the only facility of its kind staffed by twenty-five veterinarians including five board-certified veterinary toxicologists. Located in Urbana, Illinois, the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners and specific diagnostic and treatment recommendation to veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 2001, the Center will have handled over 65,000 cases. The Center also provides extensive veterinary toxicology expert consulting on a wide away of subjects includes legal cases, formulation issues, product liability, and regulatory reporting.

The Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center is an agency of the Denver Health and Hospital Authority (Denver Health). It is a medical information center specializing in the prevention, consultation, and reporting of poison exposures and drug interactions. Located in Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountain has provided its medical information services for over 43 years to both the public and private companies. Current clients include the residents of 4 states and the customers of over 90 chemical and pharmaceutical companies. Rocky Mountain is one of the largest Poison & Drug Centers in the United States managing over 175,000 calls.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org