By Lisbet Newton
In the heart of the Texas medical landscape, there is a resource that works tirelessly behind the scenes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While many recognize the name “Poison Control,” few realize the depth of expertise and the massive geographic footprint of the Southeast Texas Poison Center (SETPC).
I recently sat down with Chimela Ubani, the center’s Managing Director, on Houston CityBeat to discuss how this Galveston-based institution serves as a lifeline for millions.
A Wide Net of Protection
Housed within the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, the SETPC doesn’t just cover the island. It is responsible for 28 counties across the Southeast Texas region.
“If someone from the Houston area calls the Poison Center, nine times out of ten, they are getting in contact with us,” Ubani explains. Even in the rare event of a local system outage, the center is part of a seamless state network of six centers, ensuring that a call for help is never missed.
The Economic Impact of Expert Advice
One of the most staggering revelations from our conversation was the sheer financial value the center provides to the healthcare system. According to a 2025 study, the return on investment is massive: for every $1 spent on a poison center, $16.77 is saved in healthcare costs.
By providing immediate expert advice, the center prevents unnecessary Emergency Room visits and keeps 911 ambulances available for other life-threatening traumas.
A Sentinel for the Petrochemical Capital
Houston is known as the petrochemical capital of the world, which presents unique safety challenges. When a chemical event or a “shelter-in-place” order occurs, the SETPC becomes a critical communication hub.
Ubani noted that the center works directly with EMS and industrial facilities to identify specific chemicals involved. “We help guide the care,” Ubani says. “We tell the emergency rooms what labs to draw and what symptoms to expect. For the public, we help calm the situation by explaining what the actual risks are based on the data we have.”
When to Call: 911 vs. The Poison Center
In a panic, most people instinctively reach for 911. While Ubani stresses that 911 is the correct choice for someone who is not breathing, unconscious, or having a seizure, the Poison Center is often the better first step for stable exposures.
The Poison Center Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
Using the example of a child swallowing bleach, Ubani explained that if a parent calls 911, the dispatcher will often conference in the Poison Center. If the exposure is minor, the center can provide a home-care protocol, preventing an expensive ER bill and keeping emergency responders free for other calls.
Coastal Hazards and “Critter” Encounters
Living in Southeast Texas means sharing the environment with a variety of venomous residents. As we head into the warmer months, the center sees a spike in:
Snake Bites: Ubani advises never trying to catch or photograph the snake. The center works with doctors to determine if expensive antivenom is actually necessary based on the patient’s symptoms.
Marine Life: From “pretty” but painful jellyfish to venomous catfish and stonefish spines, the center is the primary resource for beachgoers and fishermen.
Breaking Language Barriers
With over 140 languages spoken in the Houston metro area, accessibility is a priority. Ubani, who is passionate about outreach, emphasizes that the service is fast, free, and confidential. They utilize a vast network of translators to ensure that whether you speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or French, you receive life-saving information without fear of legal repercussions or language gaps.
A Hometown Mission
For Ubani, the work is personal. “I was born and raised in Houston,” he shared. “Any way I can give back to the city that I was born in, I’m all for it.”
The Southeast Texas Poison Center remains a “silent guardian” for our region—a testament to the power of specialized medical knowledge and a deep commitment to public safety.
For more information or to access resources, you can reach the Southeast Texas Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit them at their UTMB Galveston headquarters.
