    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7653 of March 14, 2003

    National Poison Prevention Week, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    More than 40 years ago, President John F. Kennedy signed into law
    National Poison Prevention Week. The annual observance of this week
    continues to help American families learn how to protect their children
    from accidental poisonings.
    Every year more than one million children under 5 years of age are
    exposed to poisonous household chemicals and medicines, and an estimated
    30 children die as a result of these accidental poisonings. Almost every
    child poisoning could be prevented. The death of even one child from
    poisoning is too many and for this reason, Poison Prevention Week
    Council members representing 37 national organizations coordinate events
    each year to raise awareness of childhood poisonings and to encourage
    preventative steps that all Americans can take to protect the lives of
    our children.
    The theme of this year's National Poison Prevention Week, ``Children Act
    Fast . . . So Do Poisons!'' reminds parents that they always must be
    watchful when household chemicals or drugs are stored and used. Many
    incidents occur when adults are using a product and are distracted for
    only a brief time. Unfortunately, it only takes a moment for a small
    child to grab and swallow something that could be poisonous. To guard
    against these accidents, we must keep medicines and household chemicals
    locked up, out of sight and reach of young children at all times. The
    Consumer Product Safety Commission requires child-resistant packaging
    for certain toxic medicines and chemicals, but it is vital we recognize
    that the packaging is not ``child-proof,'' and must be monitored with
    great care.
    When poisoning is suspected, individuals should immediately call the
    national toll-free number, 1-800-222-1222 to speak to the nearest poison
    control center. This telephone number and local poison control centers
    are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can provide

    [[Page 3014]]
    117 STAT. 3014

    life-saving emergency advice. Regional Poison Control Centers in the
    United States provide information on recommended treatment for the
    ingestion of household products and medicines, and parents and those
    responsible for taking care of children are encouraged to keep the
    national toll-free number on their telephones. In cases of an emergency,
    callers should remain calm and provide the Poison Control Center expert
    with essential information about the victim's age, weight, existing
    health conditions, and details about the substance that was inhaled,
    swallowed, or absorbed by the victim. Through our vigilance, we can work
    together to help stop child poisonings and give every child an
    opportunity for a bright future.
    To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of accidental
    poisonings and to take more 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, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim March 16 through 22, 2003, as National
    Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week
    by participating in appropriate ceremonies and activities and by
    learning how to prevent poisonings among children.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
    March, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    seventh.
    GEORGE W. BUSH