Tim Nangle: The quiet public health service that saves Mainers every day

By State Senator Tim Nangle

When you think about essential public health services, you might picture an ambulance, a local clinic or a hospital emergency room. But behind the scenes, one of Maine’s most effective and cost-saving health services is the one you’ll never see unless you need it — the Northern New England Poison Center (NNEPC).

State Senator Tim Nangle

Based in Portland, the NNEPC operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting Mainers with specially trained nurses, pharmacists and board-certified toxicologists who can offer expert medical guidance within moments of a potential poisoning or overdose. Whether it’s a toddler who accidentally ingested household cleaner, an older adult who double-dosed a prescription medication or a hospital emergency department that needs toxicology consultation, the NNEPC provides immediate, lifesaving expertise.

According to the NNEPC Annual Report for 2024–2025, the Poison Center managed 13,814 Maine cases, including 11,546 human exposures and 606 animal exposures. Nearly one in four calls came directly from health care providers seeking advice on severe or complex cases. Maine’s hospitals, pharmacists and first responders rely on the center for expert toxicology support every day.

Children under six made up 36% of non-hospital cases, and an incredible 93% of those were treated safely at home with guidance from poison specialists, avoiding unnecessary and costly emergency room visits.

During a visit to the center this fall, I saw firsthand how a single phone call can make the difference between panic and peace of mind, or even life and death. As a former paramedic, I relied on the Poison Center many times for expert advice in the field, and I’ve seen how that guidance can change outcomes for patients in crisis. Every call is answered by professionals who not only treat emergencies but help prevent them, educating the public and medical community alike.

The results are clear: for every dollar invested in poison control services, the system saves at least $13 in other health care costs by preventing unnecessary ER visits and reducing hospital stays.

Earlier this year, I introduced LD 689, “An Act to Support the Northern New England Poison Center,” to ensure Maine continues to fund this critical public health service. The bill passed with unanimous, bipartisan support, providing $50,000 in each of the next two fiscal years to help strengthen the center’s operations and ensure Mainers can always reach a toxicology expert when they need one.

At the public hearing on LD 689, medical professionals and emergency responders offered powerful testimony about the value of this work.

Joe Kellner, CEO of LifeFlight of Maine and a Windham resident, shared how closely their air ambulance service works with the center. In his testimony, he reminded us of what’s at stake:

“When contemplating the merits of funding a critical program, it is important to evaluate what would happen should funding NOT occur. In this case, it is very direct — without the Center, at best, treatment outcomes are suboptimal and at worst, people die.”

LifeFlight transports over 3,000 patients annually across Maine, many of whom receive improved care thanks to the expert support of the NNEPC. This partnership between our air medical service and the Poison Center underscores how tightly integrated and essential this system is to Maine’s health care network.

Dr. Mark Neavyn, Medical Director of the NNEPC, told the committee that Maine’s state funding for poison control is “less than half that provided by New Hampshire, a state with a similar population, and less than Vermont’s, which has half our population.”

Smart investments in public health strengthen the entire system. When the Poison Center has the resources to support front-line medical staff, it helps every hospital, ambulance crew and emergency room do their jobs more effectively and keeps Mainers safer.

If you ever face a poisoning emergency or have a question, help is only a phone call away. Mainers can reach the Northern New England Poison Center any time by dialing 1-800-222-1222, texting POISON to 85511 or visiting nnepc.org for live chat support.

For the latest, follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/SenatorTimNangle, sign up for my e-newsletter at mainesenate.org, or contact me directly at Tim.Nangle@legislature.maine.gov. You can also call the Senate Majority Office at 207-287-1515.

The opinions in this column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Windham Eagle newspaper ownership or its staff. <