National Poison Prevention Week, 2012

Proclamation 8784 of March 16, 2012

National Poison Prevention Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Unintentional drug overdose, exposure to harmful
chemicals, and other types of accidental poisoning
claim thousands of lives every year. On the 50th
anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week, I
encourage all Americans to help protect their loved
ones by identifying poisoning hazards at home; using,
storing, and disposing of medication safely and
effectively; and learning more about how to prevent and
respond to poison emergencies.

Though we have dramatically reduced the incidence of
poisoning among children, accidental exposure to drugs
and medicines, typical household chemicals, and other
dangerous substances continues to threaten the health
of our Nation's youth--particularly those under the age
of six. Parents and caregivers can help prevent
poisoning by storing chemicals and medication in locked
or childproof cabinets beyond their children's reach,
and by safely disposing of unused or expired
prescription drugs. To find more information and safety
tips, visit: www.CDC.gov.

Tragically, the mortality rate from unintentional drug
overdose climbs higher every year. Misuse and abuse of
prescription painkillers among teens and adults drives
this trend. As we work to address this serious public
health issue, we must do more to educate parents, young
people, patients, and prescribers about the dangers of
prescription drug abuse and the steps they can take to
prevent it. Because the majority of individuals who
abuse prescription pain relievers obtain them from
friends or family, all of us can take action by using
medications only as directed by a health care provider
and removing old or unneeded medications from our
homes. Additional resources on safe drug disposal are
available at www.FDA.gov and
www.DEAdiversion.USDOJ.gov.

In the event of an accidental poisoning, rapid response
can make all the difference. The national poison help
hotline is available to respond to poison emergencies
and provide essential information 24 hours a day, seven
days a week at 1-800-222-1222.

To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers
of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate
preventive 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 18
through March 24, 2012, 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 from misuse of prescription
medications.

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