National Poison Prevention Week, 2003

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Part VI

The President

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Proclamation 7653--National Poison Prevention Week, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7653 of March 14, 2003

National Poison Prevention Week, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than 40 years ago, President John F. Kennedy
signed into law National Poison Prevention Week. The
annual observance of this week continues to help
American families learn how to protect their children
from accidental poisonings.

Every year more than one million children under 5 years
of age are exposed to poisonous household chemicals and
medicines, and an estimated 30 children die as a result
of these accidental poisonings. Almost every child
poisoning could be prevented. The death of even one
child from poisoning is too many and for this reason,
Poison Prevention Week Council members representing 37
national organizations coordinate events each year to
raise awareness of childhood poisonings and to
encourage preventative steps that all Americans can
take to protect the lives of our children.

The theme of this year's National Poison Prevention
Week, ``Children Act Fast . . . So Do Poisons!''
reminds parents that they always must be watchful when
household chemicals or drugs are stored and used. Many
incidents occur when adults are using a product and are
distracted for only a brief time. Unfortunately, it
only takes a moment for a small child to grab and
swallow something that could be poisonous. To guard
against these accidents, we must keep medicines and
household chemicals locked up, out of sight and reach
of young children at all times. The Consumer Product
Safety Commission requires child-resistant packaging
for certain toxic medicines and chemicals, but it is
vital we recognize that the packaging is not ``child-
proof,'' and must be monitored with great care.

When poisoning is suspected, individuals should
immediately call the national toll-free number, 1-800-
222-1222 to speak to the nearest poison control center.
This telephone number and local poison control centers
are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can
provide life-saving emergency advice. Regional Poison
Control Centers in the United States provide
information on recommended treatment for the ingestion
of household products and medicines, and parents and
those responsible for taking care of children are
encouraged to keep the national toll-free number on
their telephones. In cases of an emergency, callers
should remain calm and provide the Poison Control
Center expert with essential information about the
victim's age, weight, existing health conditions, and
details about the substance that was inhaled,
swallowed, or absorbed by the victim. Through our
vigilance, we can work together to help stop child
poisonings and give every child an opportunity for a
bright future.

To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers
of accidental poisonings and to take more 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, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 16
through 22, 2003, as National Poison Prevention Week. I
call upon all Americans to observe this week

by participating in appropriate ceremonies and
activities and by learning how to prevent poisonings
among children.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B