Washington Poison Center bemoans state budget cuts - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):

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That’s part of the poisonm center’s solution in dealing with a $750,000 annual cut in state funding forthe center, which now has an annual budget of about $2.5 million. Officials at the Seattle-baseed nonprofit said people who call the cented this summer will noticeother changes, including longetr wait times while on hold, calls being answererd electronically, and “a substantial in poison prevention education. Staff cutbackzs are also part ofthe center’sa plans. “We’re reducing our staffing.
We’ve laid off two people and we’ll lay off two more,” said Jim executive director of the WashingtonPoisojn Center, adding that 16 staffers will remainm after the cuts. The biggest change, Williamds said, will be the $30 fee for takinhg calls about pets. Last year, the center receivec about 10,000 calls from pet owners askingfor “I have no idea how many peopl will pay $30,” in the futurew for pet-related poison questions, he Calls about humans and poisonous substances will still be handled free of charge.