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National Poison Prevention Week


Social: #PoisonPreventionWeek, #PPW2019

Twitter: @NPPW2019

Facebook: @NPPW2019

Website: https://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/poison-prevention-week-2019/

National Poison Prevention Week raises awareness of poison prevention nationwide during the third full week of March every year. The week is an opportunity to highlight the dangers of poisonings for people of all ages and promote community involvement in poisoning prevention.

The National Poison Prevention Week Planner below will help you plan and implement activities to raise awareness of poison prevention during the third full week of March each year.

As you begin planning, contact your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222 to learn how you can support existing activities in your community.

Infographics

Other publicity materials

How to participate

  • Contact your local poison center 1-800-222-1222 to find out what activities they may already be planning in your area and how you can help.

  • Download our #MakeTheRightCall social media campaign assets and share on your social media channels.

  • Consider asking other organizations to take up the cause with you (your poison center may have relationships with other local organizations that can help). With combined resources, you can reach a wider audience.

Sample activities

Every activity – large or small – can make a difference. Here are a few simple activities that do not require large amounts of time or funding:

  • Post general facts about poisoning and poison center resources on your Web site, and link to the Poison Help site to provide your community with additional information.

  • Distribute poison facts to businesses, schools, and other community groups, and encourage them to share this information with others.

  • Hold a brown bag lunch at work to educate coworkers and your employer about potential workplace poisoning risks.

  • Engage with us on social media. Like, comment, and share our #PPW2019 and Poison Prevention Month posts.

History

In 1961, Congress established National Poison Prevention Week to raise awareness, reduce unintentional poisonings, and promote poison prevention. It is sponsored by the National Poison Prevention Week Council. Each year, the Council holds a children's artwork contest to raise awareness about poisons. Additionally, poison centers across the country conduct activities to raise awareness of the dangers of poisoning.

American Association of Poison Control Centers 
515 King Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA 22314 
(703) 894-1858 
outreach@aapcc.org 
poisonprevention.org/Poison-Prevention-Week 
Materials available 
Contact: None designated

Source: 2019 National Health Observances, National Health Information Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC.

Earlier Event: March 11
Brain Awareness Week