[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 21, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 16647-16648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-6990]



[[Page 16645]]

Vol. 77

Wednesday,

No. 55

March 21, 2012

Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8784--National Poison Prevention Week, 2012



Memorandum of March 16, 2012--Delegation of Reporting Functions 
Specified in Section 1045 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2012, and Condition 9 of the Resolution of Advice and 
Consent to Ratification of the Treaty Between the United States of 
America and the Russian Federation on the Measures for the Further 
Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the ``New START 
Treaty'')
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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 16647]]

                Proclamation 8784 of March 16, 2012

                
National Poison Prevention Week, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Unintentional drug overdose, exposure to harmful 
                chemicals, and other types of accidental poisoning 
                claim thousands of lives every year. On the 50th 
                anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week, I 
                encourage all Americans to help protect their loved 
                ones by identifying poisoning hazards at home; using, 
                storing, and disposing of medication safely and 
                effectively; and learning more about how to prevent and 
                respond to poison emergencies.

                Though we have dramatically reduced the incidence of 
                poisoning among children, accidental exposure to drugs 
                and medicines, typical household chemicals, and other 
                dangerous substances continues to threaten the health 
                of our Nation's youth--particularly those under the age 
                of six. Parents and caregivers can help prevent 
                poisoning by storing chemicals and medication in locked 
                or childproof cabinets beyond their children's reach, 
                and by safely disposing of unused or expired 
                prescription drugs. To find more information and safety 
                tips, visit: www.CDC.gov.

                Tragically, the mortality rate from unintentional drug 
                overdose climbs higher every year. Misuse and abuse of 
                prescription painkillers among teens and adults drives 
                this trend. As we work to address this serious public 
                health issue, we must do more to educate parents, young 
                people, patients, and prescribers about the dangers of 
                prescription drug abuse and the steps they can take to 
                prevent it. Because the majority of individuals who 
                abuse prescription pain relievers obtain them from 
                friends or family, all of us can take action by using 
                medications only as directed by a health care provider 
                and removing old or unneeded medications from our 
                homes. Additional resources on safe drug disposal are 
                available at www.FDA.gov and 
                www.DEAdiversion.USDOJ.gov.

                In the event of an accidental poisoning, rapid response 
                can make all the difference. The national poison help 
                hotline is available to respond to poison emergencies 
                and provide essential information 24 hours a day, seven 
                days a week at 1-800-222-1222.

                To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers 
                of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate 
                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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 18 
                through March 24, 2012, 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 from misuse of prescription 
                medications.

[[Page 16648]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-6990
Filed 3-20-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P