Call volume
The Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Center experienced changes in total call volume between 2018 and 2025, with a period of decline from 2020 through 2022 followed by steady growth over the last three years. Call volume is made up of exposure calls and informational calls and can also include calls that are redirected to one of the MA or RI Poison Centers. In 2025, combined call volume reached 47,842 calls, the highest level since 2020 and a substantial increase from the low point observed in 2022.
A line graph with total calls to the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Center. Total call volume declined from 49,461 calls in 2019 to 44,080 in 2022, then increased annually to 47,842 calls in 2025.
A line graph with total calls from Rhode Island. Call volume remained relatively stable over the period, increasing from 5,028 calls in 2021 to 5,487 calls in 2025.
A line graph with total calls from Massachusetts. Call volume decreased between 2020 and 2022, then rose each year to a period high of 40,764 calls in 2025.
Exposure calls
In Massachusetts, exposure call volume remained relatively stable from 2018 through 2024, with a notable increase in 2025. The 37,026 exposure calls managed in 2025 represent the highest annual total during the eight-year period.
A line graph with total Massachusetts exposure calls. Massachusetts exposure calls increased from 34,124 in 2024 to 37,026 in 2025, reaching the highest annual total reported between 2018 and 2025.
What are the reasons for poisoning?
Overall reasons
Poisoning happens for a variety of reasons. In 2025, the majority of exposure calls to the Poison Center from Massachusetts were unintentional (84.94%), with a small percentage of poisoning being intentional (13.22%) or due to adverse reactions (1.08%). This trend has been consistent throughout the past several years.
A pie chart displaying the reasons for poison exposure. Most Massachusetts exposure calls in 2025 were unintentional (84.94%), with a small percentage of poisonings being intentional (13.22%) or due to adverse reactions (1.08%).
Information calls
In Massachusetts, information call volume peaked in 2019 and declined through 2022, then remained relatively stable before increasing slightly in 2025.
A line graph with total information calls to the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Center. Massachusetts information calls peaked at 4,735 in 2019, declined to 3,543 in 2022, and remained relatively stable through 2025, when 3,738 information calls were received.
Cannabis calls
Since 2018, cannabis-related call volume in Massachusetts increased substantially, driven primarily by exposure calls. After peaking in 2022, annual call volume has remained relatively stable, with more than 300 cannabis exposure calls reported each year from 2020 through 2025.
A bar graph of cannabis-related calls to the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Center. There was a total of 331 cannabis-related calls from Massachusetts in 2025. These calls consisted of 4 informational calls, and 327 cannabis-related exposure calls in MA in 2025.
If you suspect a cannabis poisoning, call the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Center at 1 (800) 222-1222 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
Kratom calls
Kratom-related exposures have generally increased over time. After fluctuating between 9 and 19 exposure calls annually from 2018 to 2024, Massachusetts recorded a notable increase in 2025.
Tips for kratom-related poisonings:
- Keep naloxone nearby. To find out where to get naloxone in Massachusetts, please visit Stop an Overdose with Naloxone.
- Call 911 immediately if someone is difficult to wake, stops breathing normally, or becomes unresponsive.
- Call the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Center for information and emergencies at 1 (800) 222-1222 (available 24 hours/7 days a week).
A bar graph with kratom-related calls to the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Center. They received a total of 29 kratom-related calls from Massachusetts in 2025.
Additional information
- MA & RI Poison Center’s Annual Reports
Learn about the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Center’s call volume, call demographics, and overall impact across the region each year. - America’s Poison Centers’ Annual Reports
Explore trends, exposure data, and key statistics from poison centers across the United States. - Massachusetts Kratom Report PDF
Review Massachusetts-specific data and trends related to kratom exposures reported to the Poison Center. - 2025 Massachusetts Cannabis Report PDF
Review Massachusetts-specific data and trends related to cannabis exposures reported to the Poison Center.