[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 18, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 14287-14288]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06382]



[[Page 14285]]

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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  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 52 / Wednesday, March 18, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 14287]]

                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

[[Page 14288]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-06382
Filed 3-17-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5