Bipartisan Brown, Scott Sponsor Resolution Designating March 17-23, 2024 as National Poison Prevention Week.

Every year, trained pharmacists, nurses, specialists in poison information, and physicians manage more than 2 million poisoning cases in the United States and its territories. With tremendous progress since National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) was first observed more than 60 years ago, poisonings unfortunately continue to be a leading cause of death and injury.

U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Tim Scott (R-SC) sponsored a resolution to recognize the week of March 17 through March 23, 2024, as National Poison Prevention Week. “The hardworking folks at Poison Control Centers across the nation, including South Carolina’s Palmetto Poison Center, are working nonstop to help those in crisis,” said Senator Scott. “As we’ve witnessed overdoses and attempted suicides skyrocket, their vital work is more important now than ever before. During National Poison Prevention Week, we express our gratitude for these frontline workers who save lives each day through poison prevention and response efforts.”

NPPW brings together the Nation’s 55 Poison Centers, community organizations, and government agencies to raise awareness of the risks 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. “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 these workers in Ohio 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 2022 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 antihistamines. “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.”

A ceremony was held this week at America’s Poison Centers’ offices in Arlington, Virginia for the winners of the 2024 NPPW Video and Poster Contest. Students in grades K-12 from across the country were invited to submit a video or poster that showcases poison prevention safety messaging by kids and for kids. This year’s winners include:

• Poster People’s Choice Winner: Myrical McCray, Grade 3, Manatee School for the Arts and Sciences

• Poster Grade K-2 Winner: Gwyneth Wagner, Grade 2

• Poster Grade 3-4 Winner: Chrissa Orense, Grade 4

• Poster Grand Prize Winner: Rheia Williams, Grade 1

• Video People’s Choice Winner: Bella Landaker, Grade 8, Mandarin Middle School

• Video Grade 5-8 Winners: Abdul Kareem Hasan, Andrew Du, Hayden Haithcock, and Brock Ferguson, Grade 8, Blacksburg Middle School

• Video Grade 9-12 Place Winner: Sofia Nguyen, Grade 10, Westminster High School

• Video Grand Prize Winners: Bailey Faulks, Xenia Okonta, Sara Pilic, Grade 7, Barber Middle School

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 centers with specialists who are certified in drug interactions, poison ingestions and exposure to toxins. These services are 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

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org