National Poison Prevention Week, 2014

Proclamation 9090 of March 14, 2014

National Poison Prevention Week, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over the past four decades, America has seen a steep
decline in childhood deaths from accidental
poisonings--thanks in part to improved safety measures
and increased public awareness. During National Poison
Prevention Week, we do our part to remain vigilant, ask
our loved ones to use common-sense precautions, and
learn about the potentially life-saving action we can
take in case of emergency.

While we have made great strides, unintentional
poisoning still takes the lives of about 30 American
children every year and sends tens of thousands to the
hospital. Because the vast majority of these accidents
occur in the home, it is essential for parents and
caregivers to keep potentially harmful products--
including cleaning supplies and medication--out of
their children's reach and sight. If you ever suspect a
child, family member, or anyone has been poisoned,
quick action may prevent serious injury or death. You
should immediately call the toll-free Poison Help Line
at 1-800-222-1222.

Earlier this year, I signed the Poison Center Network
Act, which supports the hotline, a poison prevention
grant program, and an awareness campaign. As my
Administration promotes safe practices across our
country, each of us can make our homes and communities
more secure. To safeguard against carbon monoxide, a
deadly, colorless, odorless gas, every American should
have heating systems inspected each year and install
carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. And because
prescription drug overdose remains the most common
cause of fatal poisoning, we must properly store and
dispose of medications. I encourage Americans to visit
www.DEAdiversion.USDOJ.gov to read about safe
prescription drug disposal and learn how to participate
in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on
April 26. For information on preventing accidents and
helping victims of poisoning, go to
PoisonHelp.HRSA.gov.

To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers
of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate
preventative measures, the Congress, by joint
resolution approved September 26, 1961, as amended (75
Stat. 681) has authorized and requested the President
to issue a proclamation designating the third week of
March each year as ``National Poison Prevention Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 16
through March 22, 2014, as National Poison Prevention
Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by
taking actions to protect their families from hazardous
household materials and misuse of prescription
medicines.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.