National Poison Prevention Week 2023

National Poison Prevention Week 2023

Poison happens to people of all ages. That’s why Poison Centers are here for *everyone*. When poison happens, they’re here for YOU.

By: Alexandra de Leon Date: March 3rd, 2023

This year National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) is March 19-25, 2023. NPPW is a week dedicated to raising awareness about poison control centers and the Poison Help Hotline (1-800-222-1222). We welcome you join us in learning more about the valuable services provided by poison control centers.

When poison happens, Poison Centers are ready 24/7/365 with fast, free treatment advice by calling Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) or visiting poisonhelp.org. Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help can provide life-saving information when people need it most, and calling a Poison Center is faster and more accurate than an internet search. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in American homes each year, and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are—saving the cost of a trip to a doctor or hospital.

More than sixty years have passed since Congress and President Kennedy first authorized the designation of National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), proving that poison centers are here for the ages. There are currently 55 poison centers throughout the U.S. that provide 24/7/365 fast, free, confidential treatment advice. Each year, the specially trained pharmacists, nurses, and physicians manage more than 2 million poisoning cases. These medical experts save lives by providing essential public health information to people of all ages.

About 90% of poisonings happen at home. Poison Prevention Week is a great opportunity to learn about resources and establish home safety practices. A call to our medical experts will ensure that we keep families safe and prevent unintentional poison exposures. Approximately 70 % of cases managed by people who call the Poison Help line get the help they need right where they are — saving the cost of an unnecessary trip to a doctor or hospital. If you have questions or suspect you may have been exposed to a poison, a call to the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 is best or use our online tool at www.PoisonHelp.org.

Three ways to prepare, prevent, and protect against poisoning:

  1. Save the Poison Help Hotline number, 1-800-222-1222, into your mobile phone.
  2. Display the Poison Help Hotline contact number throughout your home.
  3. Online Poison Help: log on to www.PoisonHelp.org, the official site of the AAPCC.

Learn more about NPPW, by visiting America’s Poison Centers here > >