For toxicology emergencies, call: 1-800-222-1222
The state’s poison center, which resides within the College of Pharmacy, has unveiled a new name and a fresh look. The organization recently rebranded from Palmetto Poison Center to South Carolina Poison Center for wider name recognition.
At national conferences hosted by America’s Poison Centers, the “Palmetto” name often confused attendees who are unfamiliar with South Carolina's nickname. The newly renamed center is focused on further expanding community partnerships to protect South Carolina residents from toxicological emergencies.
Services remain unchanged. The center still provides 24/7 toxicology consultation, and Mr. Yuck will continue his role as the poison center’s mascot.
“We felt that we needed to truly say who we are, which is the South Carolina Poison Center,” explains Jill Michels, the center’s director. “It’s straightforward — who we are, what we represent.”
The new logo features red, white and blue colors that align with national branding while emphasizing the center’s statewide coverage across all 46 counties.
Services remain unchanged. The center still provides 24/7 toxicology consultation, and Mr. Yuck, celebrating his 54th birthday this year, will continue his role as the poison center’s mascot.
“Mr. Yuck is not going away,” Michels says. “People really identify with him when they see that logo.”
The center is also expanding its community partnerships. Through a Centers for Disease Control grant focused on hurricane preparedness, the center partnered with South Carolina State Fire to distribute 350 carbon monoxide detectors across the state.
“It was a natural fit to approach them with these free carbon monoxide detectors as they already had a distribution plan in place,” says Christina DeRienzo, the center’s public health educator.
“Not only do they install the detectors in homes, but they are also providing education about the dangers of carbon monoxide and safety, and the detector includes information about how to contact the poison center should it alarm.”
The center provides free educational outreach programs and fields more than 37,000 calls each year for information on exposure to poisonous, hazardous or toxic materials.
Learn more about the South Carolina Poison Center at go.sc.edu/poison.
Topics: South Carolina Poison Center