Financial support for poison control centers: a unique partnership with a chain drug store corporation

The Oregon Poison Center has developed a unique partnership with a chain drug store corporation which sponsors the Center's poison prevention, public awareness, and professional education programs. Termed the Poison Prevention and Public Awareness Program, this affiliation offers significant financial support to the Oregon Poison Center on a continuing basis. It establishes an integral role for the drug stores in poison control activities. In addition, the program provides a mechanism for customer capture and reaps significant public and professional relation benefits for the corporation. This presentation describes the materialization of the affiliation, including the development of the program proposal, its presentation to potential participants, and the selection of a chain drug store corporation.