Digital Poison Awareness and Prevention Initiative By HRSA

Campaign Features New Web site with Online Ads, Bilingual Radio Jingles, Resources for Parents, Older Americans and Health Professionals

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced a new poison prevention campaign in conjunction with National Poison Prevention Week, March 16-22.

The Poison Help Campaign addresses the alarming statistics on poisonings in the United States. This past year, more than 2.4 million poison exposures were reported to the nation's network of Poison Control Centers (PCCs). Unintentional poisoning deaths are the second leading cause of injury death for U.S. adults.

The campaign features a new Web site, PoisonHelp.hrsa.gov, with downloadable resources to inform and educate the public on poison prevention, and the national Poison Help toll-free number (1-800-222-1222) that callers can use to reach a PCC. The Campaign also serves as a resource for health professionals, PCC staff, and injury prevention organizations.

“Poisonings are preventable,” noted HRSA Administrator Elizabeth M. Duke. “This campaign will give the public valuable tools to prevent poison exposures and life-saving information about our national poison control centers.”

HRSA collaborated with PCCs and other national partners in developing the site, which highlights the real dangers associated with items used daily, from medications to cleaning products to plants or other items at home or at work.

HRSA administers the national Poison Control Program that supports the work of PCCs serving all states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, and American Samoa. HRSA also funds the national Poison Help toll-free number that provides universal access to PCCs and immediate, 24-hour access to a nurse, pharmacist or other poison expert as well as bilingual services.

Campaign advertisements will appear on Web sites and radio stations that reach families and older Americans. The spots are also suitable for distribution in schools and local communities. Other resources available on the Web site include a bilingual radio jingle, a campaign brochure, seasonal tip sheets, Frequently Asked Questions, and a list of “Myths vs. Realities.”

For more information, visit PoisonHelp.hrsa.gov.

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