National Poison Prevention Week, 2015

Vol. 80

Wednesday,

No. 52

March 18, 2015

Part III

The President

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Proclamation 9241--National Poison Prevention Week, 2015

Memorandum of March 13, 2015--Providing an Order of Succession Within
the Council on Environmental Quality

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9241 of March 13, 2015

National Poison Prevention Week, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Household and environmental poisons pose risks to
Americans of all ages. While children under age 6
account for half of all cases of poison exposure, more
than 90 percent of poisoning deaths occur among people
over the age of 20. Poisonings are more common and more
deadly than many people realize--but they are often
avoidable and treatable, and every person can take
action to guard against these preventable tragedies.
During National Poison Prevention Week, we raise
awareness of the precautions each person can take to
protect their loved ones, as well as what to do in the
event of a poison emergency.

Most poisonings take place at home where cleaning
products, cosmetics, and other chemicals are stored.
That is why it is important for parents and caregivers
to keep poisonous items out of their children's sight
and reach. These items should be properly labeled and
stored in their original containers--especially
medicine, which is a major source of poisoning among
young people and adults. Before taking medication,
whether over-the-counter or prescribed, Americans
should ensure they understand the instructions,
including the proper dosage and how to avoid unsafe
drug interactions, and discuss any questions with a
doctor or pharmacist. Everyone should also be aware of
local environmental poisons, including plants, insects,
and berries; practice safe food preparation and
handling to avoid food poisoning; and guard against
carbon monoxide by installing detectors for this
colorless, odorless gas.

If you suspect someone has been poisoned, fast action
is essential. Do not wait for signs of poisoning. You
should immediately call the toll-free Poison Help line
at 1-800-222-1222. The Poison Help line can also
connect you with experts to discuss questions about
medication and other non-emergency situations. Last
year, I was proud to sign the Poison Center Network
Act, which reauthorized funding for the Poison Help
line and also supported poison control centers and
nationwide efforts to raise awareness about poison
prevention and the resources available in local
communities.

Education and awareness about poisons can save lives. I
encourage all people to speak out about the importance
of poison prevention and discuss these commonsense
steps with their loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors.
To learn more, visit www.PoisonHelp.HRSA.gov.
Information about safe drug disposal is available at
www.DEAdiversion.USDOJ.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 15
through March 21, 2015, 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
thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.