[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 11 (Monday, March 21, 2005)]
[Page 478]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7875--National Poison Prevention Week, 2005

 March 18, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    National Poison Prevention Week reminds us that young children need 
constant close supervision by responsible adults to keep them safe. This 
week highlights the dangers of accidental poisonings, steps that can be 
taken to reduce risks, and what to do in case of an emergency.
    Poison control centers receive approximately one million calls each 
year about children who have ingested dangerous medicines or chemicals 
they have found around their homes. Since the first National Poison 
Prevention Week 43 years ago, many deaths and injuries have been 
prevented through increased public awareness, the use of child-resistant 
packaging, and a national network of poison control centers. We must 
build on this progress by taking additional precautions to keep our 
children safe. All potentially hazardous products, including those 
encased in child-resistant packaging, should be stored out of the reach 
of children. Parents can educate themselves about poisons and receive 
safety information by visiting the Poison Prevention Week Council 
website at www.poisonprevention.org. In case of an emergency, families 
should keep the toll-free number, 1-800-222-1222, on hand in order to 
reach the nearest Poison Control Center. By properly supervising 
children, taking preventive measures, and knowing what to do in an 
emergency, we can help protect our young people from the risks of 
accidental poisonings.
    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, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim March 20 through March 26, 2005, 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 eighteenth day 
of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:03 a.m., March 22, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 23.