Iowa Poison Center Adds Online Chat Feature

New service aims to provide more accessible poison control support for Iowans.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:15pm

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The Iowa Poison Control Center, based in Sioux City, has launched a new online chat feature on its website, Iowa Poison-dot-org. The center handled nearly 24,000 poisoning cases last year, with calls from all 99 counties in the state. The new chat option is intended to provide an alternative for those who prefer texting over making a phone call.

Why it matters

The Iowa Poison Control Center plays a critical role in providing immediate expert assessment and follow-up care, which a study found saves Iowans nearly $16 million in healthcare costs every year. The new chat feature aims to make the center's services more accessible to Iowans who may be more comfortable communicating via text.

The details

The Sioux City-based Iowa Poison Control Center handled nearly 24,000 poisoning cases last year, with calls coming from all 99 counties in the state. The center has now added a new chat feature on its website, Iowa Poison-dot-org, to provide an alternative communication channel for those who prefer texting over making a phone call.

  • The Iowa Poison Control Center handled nearly 24,000 poisoning cases in 2025.

The players

Janna Day

Spokeswoman for the Iowa Poison Control Center.

Iowa Poison Control Center

A Sioux City-based organization that provides expert assessment and follow-up care for poisoning cases, saving Iowans nearly $16 million in healthcare costs annually.

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What they’re saying

“Without access to the Iowa Poison Control Center, a study found 78 percent of callers report they would have gone directly to a hospital emergency room.”

— Janna Day, Spokeswoman

What’s next

The Iowa Poison Control Center's new online chat feature is now available on its website, Iowa Poison-dot-org, providing Iowans with an additional way to access the center's services.

The takeaway

The Iowa Poison Control Center's new chat feature demonstrates its commitment to making its critical services more accessible to Iowans, potentially reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and healthcare costs.