Poison Prevention Week

What is Poison Prevention Week?

Every year the nation recognizes the 3rd week in March as “National Poison Prevention Week.” This year is no different. The Washington Poison Center urges all Washington citizens to use the week as a reminder to be cautious with poisons.

Poisonings are the leading cause of accidental death in Washington, surpassing car crashes and falls. Children, teens, adults, seniors and pets are all at risk.

The theme of the 2013 Washington State Poison Prevention Week campaign is “Be Safe with Mr. Yuk .” One lucky child will be chosen as the Mr. Yuk Poster Contest winner, and the winning design will be used as our State’s official Poison Prevention Week poster. See the most recent winning posters.

History

Public Law 87-319 authorizes the President to designate the third week in March each year as National Poison Prevention Week. This act of Congress was signed into law on September 16, 1961, by President Kennedy, after which the Poison Prevention Week Council was organized to coordinate this annual event. Congress intended this event as a means for local communities to raise awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to take such preventive measures as the dangers warrant.

Each year, the Governor of the State of Washington issues a proclamation designating the importance of poison prevention week in our own state.

Our Goal

The goal of Poison Prevention Week:

• To reduce illness, injury, and death due to poisoning
• Build safer communities
• Reduce unnecessary health care costs for everyone

Poster Contest Rules

Find a complete list of rules for the Poison Prevention Week poster contest.

Submissions

Mail posters to:

(Must include an entry form and be postmarked between September 1, 2012 and January 4, 2013)

Questions

If you have any questions, please call 1-800-572-4104 x2367.