Self-Harm Intent Poison Cases Continue to Increase in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY - A total of 123 cases of self-harm attempts among adolescent girls ranging from 11 to 19 years old occurred during the month of February, according to the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information. The Poison Center had previously reported a spike in poisonings among that age group in mid-February, and those cases continued to increase throughout the month.

“Seeing the increase in the number of cases continue throughout February is concerning. It’s important to remember that calls to the Poison Center are just one piece of the puzzle; the real number of cases could be much higher. Many poisoning cases are not reported to the Poison Center, as the patient or caregiver may not have our number handy, or the physician might be comfortable treating the patient without our assistance” said Scott Schaeffer, Managing Director of the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information.

Schaeffer stressed that if you are depressed or in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention lifeline 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255. Call the Poison Center with any questions or concerns regarding medications, and text “POISON” to 797979 to have the Oklahoma Poison Center number easily saved to your cell phone.

Pharmacists and registered nurses at the Poison Center are available 24 hours a day seven days a week at (800) 222-1222. Please do not email the Poison Center or members of the Poison Center staff, as poisoning emergencies are not handled through email.

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