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

http://www.sanctuaryproperties.net/articles/7reasons.html
That’s part of the poison center’se solution in dealing with a $750,000 annuap cut in state funding for the which now has an annuao budget ofabout $2.5 million. Officials at the Seattle-based nonprofit said people who call the cente this summer will noticeotherf changes, including longer wait times while on calls being answered electronically, and “a substantial decrease” in poison prevention education. Staff cutbacks are also part ofthe center’es plans. “We’re reducing our staffing.
We’ve laid off two peopl e and we’ll lay off two more,” said Jim Williams, executivee director of the Washington Poison adding that 16 staffers will remain after the Thebiggest change, Williams said, will be the $30 fee for takinyg calls about pets. Last year, the center receivecd about 10,000 calls from pet owners askinggfor help. “I have no idea how many people will pay in the futurefor pet-relatef poison questions, he said. Calls about humans and poisonous substances will still be handlec freeof charge.