National Poison Prevention Week

Additional Information

National Poison Prevention Week was established by the U.S. Congress in 1961 to focus national attention on the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them.

Poisonings are easier to prevent than to treat. Every day, the Oklahoma Poison Control Center receives calls from distraught parents, grandparents, caregivers and babysitters who didn't think a poisoning could happen to their loved one. Unfortunately, children are at a greater risk for a poisoning exposure because of their natural curiosity to explore the world. Toddlers tend to touch everything and once they pick something up - it goes straight to their mouth. It can take less than a second for a child to drink or eat a poison that could be life threatening. Children's bodies are physically less able to tolerate toxic chemicals.
It only takes a minute to educate yourself about how to prevent a poisoning in your home. The Lawton-Fort Sill Community Coalition Prescription Drug Committee will be delivering bookmarks to all pharmacies in Comanche County. Be sure and ask your pharmacist about The Do’s and Don’ts of Safe Medicine Storage.

100 people die from drug overdoses every day in the United States and prescription drug abuse remains an epidemic. This may be happening every day in our community, in our schools, in our workplaces, and maybe even in our homes. Protect your family and be aware of medications available in your home and environment. You can save a life by locking up your prescription drugs. Make a difference and take action to reduce prescription drug abuse. A locked box is all it takes! For more information, visit the Wichita Mountains Prevention Network at www.wmpn.org and takeasprescribed.org.

In case of a poison emergency, contact your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.