Bipartisan Brown, Scott Sponsor Resolution Designating March 19-25, 2023 as National Poison Prevention Week

Every year, specially trained pharmacists, nurses, and physicians manage more than 2 million poisoning cases. While we have made great strides in the decades since National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) was first observed more than 60 years ago poisoning remains a risk, especially for children and older adults.

The White House issued its annual proclamation for NPPW, which is recognized during the third week of March. This year’s full proclamation is available for view here. NPPW brings together the Nation’s 55 Poison Centers, community organizations, and government agencies to raise awareness of the risks of posed by poisonous substances, precautions people can take to keep their families safe, and using the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website (PoisonHelp.org) when responding to an emergency.

In addition, U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tim Scott (R-SC) sponsored a resolution to recognize the week of March 19 through March 25, 2023, as National Poison Prevention Week. “Ohio is the proud home to two Poison Control Centers and I’m grateful for the lifesaving work the workers there do to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Brown. “As we recognize National Poison Prevention Week, we must continue to support the work of the CDC and ensure staff, faculty, and other experts at our Poison Control Centers have the resources they need to protect Ohioans.”

According to America’s Poison Centers 2021 annual report, the top five exposure substances are all products commonly found in the home. These include analgesics, household cleaners, cosmetics/personal care products, antidepressants, and sedatives.  “More than 90 percent of poisonings happen at home,” said Kaitlyn Brown, PharmD, Clinical Managing Director, America’s Poison Centers. “We know it can take only a minute for an accident to happen, especially with young children. This National Poison Prevention Week we encourage everyone to be prepared in the event of an emergency by saving 1-800-222-1222 in their contacts. This week is also a great opportunity to learn about resources and establish home safety practices.”

“Poison Centers are often the unsung heroes on the front lines of responding to poisoning and public health emergencies,” said Richard Fogelson, America’s Poison Centers, CEO. “National Poison Prevention Week serves as a reminder of the critical role that Poison Centers play in providing education and prevention information to help keep our communities and families safe.”

During a ceremony earlier today, America’s Poison Centers also awarded the winners of the 2023 NPPW Video and Poster Contest. Students in grades 5-12 from across the country are invited to submit a video or poster that showcases poison prevention safety messaging by kids and for kids. This year’s winners include:

• People’s Choice Winner:  Matthew Harvey, Grade 8, Mandarin Middle School
• Grade 5-8 Winners: Julia Aldrich & Addie Larson, Grade 8, Mandarin Middle School
• Grade 9-12 1^st Place Winner: Collin Fowler, Grade 11, Indian Trail High School
• Grand Prize Winners: DaMarcus Ganaway, Julian Shahly, William Jones & Isaiah Vieira, Grade 8, Mandarin Middle School

For additional information and to download NPPW resources please visit, America's Poison Centers - NPPW 2023.

About America’s Poison Centers

America’s Poison Centers represent 55 Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison- and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) website PoisonHelp.org, we provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited medical specialists about potential drug interactions, poison ingestions and exposure to toxins such as insects or chemicals — available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention and treatment of toxin-related health emergencies.

CONTACT:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

703.894.1867

maloney@PoisonCenters.org