ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 24, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Association of Poison Control Centers is proud to announce that it has released its first smartphone app. The free app, now available for iPhones, is available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/poison-center-help/id426623359?mt=8.
You can also access it by going to the AAPCC website at www.aapcc.org or by visiting the iTunes marketplace and searching for "Poison Help."
The free app is part of AAPCC's commemoration of National Poison Prevention Week, March 20 through 26. The AAPCC is also developing free apps for the Blackberry, Droid and Windows 7 smartphones.
The new app allows users to click on the Poison Help logo to contact their local poison center. It also offers poison prevention tips and connects users with the American Association of Poison Control Centers website.
"We want people to know that their poison center is at their fingertips 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Richard Dart, MD, PhD, president of the American Association of Poison Control Centers. "We are very excited to give smartphone users an easy way to reach out to their poison center."
Jim Hirt, executive director of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, said those not using smartphones should consider commemorating National Poison Prevention Week by plugging the 1-800-222-1222 poison center helpline number into their cell phone address books or contact lists.
"Poison centers offer free, confidential advice from medical professionals," he said. "We're thrilled to be able to give smartphone users another opportunity to keep the poison center number close at hand."
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About the American Association of Poison Control Centers:
The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports the nation's 57 poison centers in their efforts to treat and prevent poisoning. Poison centers offer free, confidential medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you have questions about poisons, or you believe you've been exposed to something that could be bad for you, call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
Contact: Jessica Wehrman
(703) 894-1863
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