In 1961, Congress created National Poison Prevention Week to increase knowledge about how to prevent and stop poisoning accidents. Communities and poison centers across the country host events every year to share the message.

The goal of National Poison Prevention Week is to teach about the risks of poisonings at any age and increase everyone’s involvement in poison prevention. It takes place every year in the third week of March.

Use our publicity materials and tips for how to organize events and share poison prevention messages during this week.

Publicity materials

• Promoting Your National Poison Prevention Week Events (PDF - 192 KB)
• Media Advisory Template (PDF - 144 KB)
• Press Release Template (PDF - 140 KB)
• How to Distribute Radio Public Service Announcements (PDF - 150 KB)
• Proclamation Guide (PDF - 151 KB)

Tips for sharing poisoning prevention messages

• Call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222 to learn about local events and how you can help.
• Share our social media graphics (ZIP - 20 MB) with your friends.
• Think about other groups you can work with to share our information. Your local poison center may partner with groups and people who can help.
• Post facts about poisoning and poison center information on your website so others can share with their friends, families, and neighbors.
• Give poison facts to local businesses, schools, and other groups in the community so they can share this information with others.
• Share facts about poisoning at work so your co-workers know about the risks.
• Like, comment, and share our poison prevention posts on social media.