Presidential Documents

16647 

Federal Register 

Vol. 77, No. 55 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 

Title 3— 

The President 

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 people, 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. 

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16648 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2012 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 2012–6990 

Filed 3–20–12; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F2–P 


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