Poisonings Remain a Leading Cause of Preventable Injury and Death, Emphasizing the Need for Promoting Poison Prevention and Safety
In celebration and observation of National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) from March 16-22, 2025, the U.S. Poison Centers are leading nationwide efforts to educate the public about the risks of poisonings and the importance of poison prevention. Since NPPW’s creation by Congress in 1961, its been observed annually during the third week of March to serve as a vital reminder of the dangers posed by various substances and the steps individuals can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.
According to America's Poison Centers' 2023 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System, U.S. Poison Centers responded to 2.4 million cases, averaging a new case every 15 seconds. This represents increase in human exposures compared to 2022, demonstrating the continued stability and vital role of Poison Centers in public health. Despite significant progress since NPPW was first observed over 60 years ago, poisonings remain a leading cause of preventable injury and death.
NPPW brings together the nation's Poison Centers, community organizations, and government agencies to raise awareness about the dangers of poisonous substances, preventive measures to ensure family safety, and the free resources available through the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website (PoisonHelp.org) in case of emergencies.
“National Poison Prevention Week is an important moment to share critical and timely information about poison prevention across the United States as both novel substances and longstanding poison trends continue to impact young and old alike,” said Richard Fogelson, CEO of America’s Poison Centers. “By collaborating with communities nationwide, we aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources necessary to safeguard their homes and loved ones."
Every year for National Poison Prevention Week students in grades K-12 from across the country are invited to submit a video or poster that showcases poison prevention safety messaging by kids and for kids. In a ceremony held Monday, March 17 during NPPW, America’s Poison Centers awarded the winners of the 2025 NPPW Video and Poster Contest. This year’s winners include:
- Poster People’s Choice Winner: Gwyneth Wagner, Grade 3
- Poster Grade K-2 Winner: Liea Brown, Grade 2, Rose Acres Elementary School
- Poster Grade 3-4 Winner: Charles Stage, Grade 3, Rose Acres Elementary School
- Poster Grand Prize Winner: Matthias Schillinger, Grade 4, Rose Acres Elementary School
- Video People’s Choice Winners: Michael Brigman and Giovanni Pezzella, Grade 8, Mandarin Middle School
- Video Grade 5-8 Winner: Prudence Peng, Grade 8, Music 4 All
- Video Grade 9-12 Place Winner: Kylie Chau, Grade 11
- Video Grand Prize Winners: Texas Maki, Max Smith, and Landon Pungarcher, Grade 12, Pewaukee HOSA
About America’s Poison Centers
America’s Poison Centers represent the network of 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, our member centers 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
Sr. Director of External Affairs
maloney@poisoncenters.org
.png){kind=icon}