[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8784--MAR. 16, 2012


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 peo-


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ple, 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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA