State budget cuts mean the end of a local poison control center run out of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

The Ruth Lawrence Poison and Drug Information Center will close at the end of the year. The center answers calls from the public about poisons or other drugs. It takes calls for 12 counties in the Finger Lakes region.

Earlier this year, when talks of cuts came about, the center lobbied to keep its doors open, but the cuts went through and the center will close along with two other centers located in Buffalo and Long Island.

"Our poison center has been open for 60 years and we have a very talented staff of people and we are looking to get all of those individuals who choose to remain at the medical center placed here at Strong," said Kathleen Parrinello, University of Rochester Medical Center.

The poison call center employs 10 to 11 people. Buffalo and Rochester calls will now be taken in Syracuse.

Finger Lakes Poison & Drug Information Center