[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 10 (Monday, March 17, 2008)]
[Pages 384-385]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8226--National Poison Prevention Week, 2008

 March 14, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Since 1962, National Poison Prevention Week has helped to raise 
awareness about the dangers of potentially poisonous medicines and 
household chemicals. During this week, we underscore our commitment to 
protect our fellow citizens from accidental poisonings and to educate 
families about the preventive steps that can be taken to ensure the 
safety of our young people.
    More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year across the 
country. In order to help prevent these poisonings, parents should place 
household chemicals out of the reach of children, keep items in their 
original containers, and read the labels and dosages on all products 
thoroughly before use. Installing carbon monoxide alarms in homes to 
help monitor air quality can also save lives.

    To learn more about the ways to keep children safe and help prevent 
poisonings, I encourage all Americans to visit the Poison Prevention 
Week Council website at poisonprevention.org. In case of an emergency, 
individuals can contact the nearest Poison Control Center 24 hours a 
day, 7 days a week at 1-800-222-1222. By taking precautions, properly 
supervising children, and knowing what to do in an emergency, we can 
protect the health and well-being of more Americans.

    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 16 through March 22, 2008, as 
National Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe 
this week by participating in appropriate activities and by learning how 
to prevent poisonings.

     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day 
of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.

                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 18, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 19.

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